Which of the following carbohydrates is the primary source of energy for red blood cells?

A Glucose ✓
B Fructose
C Galactose
D Lactose

Explanation

Red blood cells lack mitochondria and are unable to generate energy through oxidative phosphorylation. As a result, they rely on anaerobic glycolysis of glucose to produce ATP.

Mnemonic

'Red' cells need 'glucose' to survive

Source

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
Carbohydrate Metabolism Physiology Red Blood Cell Metabolism Easy MEDICAL Confidence: high