Here's why:
* Function: Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
* Lack of Nucleus: To maximize their oxygen-carrying capacity, red blood cells eject their nucleus and other organelles during development. This allows them to pack more hemoglobin, the protein that binds to oxygen.
* Limited Lifespan: Without a nucleus, red blood cells cannot repair themselves or replicate. They have a lifespan of about 120 days, after which they are broken down by the spleen.