Final answer:
Red blood cells possess less energy because they lack mitochondria, which leads to a reduced presence of enzymes for energy production. They rely on anaerobic glycolysis for their energy needs, as their primary function is to transport oxygen using the hemoglobin molecule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Red blood cells (RBCs) typically possess less energy compared to other cells because they lack mitochondria, which are the organelles responsible for aerobic respiration and energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Therefore, the answer to why RBCs possess less energy compared to other cells is reduced presence of enzymes for energy production due to their lack of mitochondria. Mature RBCs are almost entirely filled with hemoglobin, which has the principal job of carrying oxygen throughout the body. The lack of organelles allows for more space for hemoglobin, enhancing the RBCs' capacity to transport oxygen. However, the absence of mitochondria means that RBCs cannot use oxygen for metabolic respiration that generates energy, thus making them reliant on glycolysis, an anaerobic process, for their energy needs.