Final answer:
Red blood cells are not a basic component of plasma. Plasma consists of water, electrolytes, and proteins, while red blood cells are a separate component of blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which component is not a basic component of plasma. The basic components of plasma include water, electrolytes, and proteins. However, red blood cells are not a part of plasma; they are a separate component of blood. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood and is made up of about 92 percent water by volume, which carries proteins, electrolytes, glucose, hormones, carbon dioxide, and other substances. The cellular components, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, are distinct from plasma and are not present within it.