Final answer:
Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. They carry hemoglobin, which allows them to perform this function efficiently. The function of erythrocytes is distinctly different from that of white blood cells and platelets, which are involved in immune defense and blood clotting, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of Erythrocytes is a) Red blood cells; transport oxygen. Erythrocytes, better known as red blood cells, are specialized cells circulating through the body delivering oxygen to cells. These cells are characterized by their hemoglobin content, a protein that binds with oxygen, thereby facilitating oxygen transportation throughout the body.
Red blood cells are produced from stem cells in the bone marrow. In mammals, these cells are anucleate at maturity, meaning they do not contain a nucleus, which allows for a greater capacity of hemoglobin within each cell, optimizing oxygen transport.
Unlike red blood cells, white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets serve different functions. White blood cells are key components of the immune system, defending the body against pathogens and foreign bodies. Platelets are involved in blood clotting, responding to injury by forming clots and preventing blood loss.