Researchers from MIT have developed a molecular model for how red blood cells change shape.

Red blood cells are disc shaped cells that are responsible for delivering oxygen to, and retrieving waste from all parts of the body. In order to accomplish this task, they must travel through blood vessels such as the arteries, capillaries, and veins. Some blood vessels however, are more narrow than the red blood cells. In cases such as these, the red blood cells must alter their shape in order to squeeze through the vessels.

In the study, the researchers discovered that red blood cells alter their shape by rearranging components of their cytoskeleton. This allows the cells to become almost fluid-like. In this state, the red blood cells can maneuver their way through the tiny capillaries.

Learn more:

• How Blood Cells Change Shape (ScienceDaily)