<P> As a result of not containing mitochondria , red blood cells use none of the oxygen they transport ; instead they produce the energy carrier ATP by the glycolysis of glucose and lactic acid fermentation on the resulting pyruvate . Furthermore the pentose phosphate pathway plays an important role in red blood cells ; see glucose - 6 - phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency for more . </P>
where do red blood cells get their energy
the energy carrier ATP by the glycolysis of glucose and lactic acid fermentation on the resulting pyruvate