Can We Find DNA in Blood Without Red Blood Cell Nuclei?

[DB]

If red blood cells don't have nuclei, then does this mean we can't find DNA in blood?

Thanks

 

[Monique]

There are many white blood cells in blood that do contain DNA.

Red blood cells loose their nucleus, because they have to attain a specific spheroid form (to optimize the surface area for gas-exchange), which is impossible with a bulky nucleus.

 

[ravenprp]

for your question! While it is true that red blood cells do not have nuclei, this does not necessarily mean that we cannot find DNA in blood. Red blood cells contain a small amount of DNA in the form of mitochondrial DNA, which is responsible for energy production in cells. Additionally, white blood cells, which do have nuclei, are also present in blood and contain DNA. Therefore, it is possible to find DNA in blood even without the presence of red blood cell nuclei. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to isolate and amplify DNA from blood samples, regardless of the type of blood cell present. So, while red blood cells may not be the main source of DNA in blood, it is still possible to find and analyze DNA from blood samples.