What are the differences between red blood cells and white blood cells?

Basis of differentiation 

Red blood cells

White blood cells 

Definition 

biconcave shaped cells found in blood, transports oxygen and co2 to and from the lungs

cell that function as immune cells, fights infections and injury

Also known as

Erythrocytes 

Leukocytes 

Color 

Red due to presence of hemoglobin

Colorless

Shape 

Biconcave, discoid shape

Irregular shape

Size 

Small- range in size from 6 µm to 8 µm in diameter

Large – range in size from 12 µm to 17 µm in diameter

Nucleus 

Absent on maturity

Large central nucleus 

Components 

Hemoglobin 

Antibodies with the presence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen cell markers

Function 

Transport oxygen from the lungs to the peripheral tissues in the body and transport carbon dioxide from the tissue to the lungs for elimination 

Produce antibodies to protect the body from disease-causing microbes

Origin 

Red bone marrow

Red bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes

Lifespan 

About 120 days

About 12 – 20 days

Types 

One types

Many types: 

• Neutrophils
• T lymphocytes
• B lymphocytes,
• Eosinophils
• Monocytes
• Basophils

Percentage of human blood

Make up about 36% to 50% of human blood

Make up about 1% of human blood

Count per mm3 of blood

5 million/ mm³ of blood

7000–8000/mm³ of blood

Condition caused by low count

Anemia 

Leukopenia