2. Structure and functions in living organisms - (h) Transport Flashcards
What is diffusion?
Passive net movement of particles down the concentration gradient (from region of high concentration to region of low concentration) until equilibrium
Why can unicellular organisms rely on diffusion for movement of substance in and out of cells?
- As Unicellular organisms are composed of a single cell, they have a larger surface area in relation to their volume, and hence have a large surface area to volume ratio
- With a large surface area to volume ratio, Unicellular organisms therefore have efficient rate of diffusion, allowing cell to rely solely on diffusion to transport necessary substances in and out of the cell
What are some common features of unicellular organisms?
- Thin Cell Walls
Thin cell walls (one cell thick) to minimise distance of diffusion, increasing the rate of diffusion - Large Surface Area to Volume Ratio
Unicellular organisms are commonly long, thin, flat or folded to increase surface area to volume ratio, increasing the rate of diffusion - Moist
Unicellular organisms have moist membranes to allow substances to diffuse easily
What is a transport system?
A system that provides a constant supply of necessary substances through a medium to cells via an exchange surface - e.g circulatory system
Why does multicellular organisms have to rely on a transport system?
- As Multicellular organisms are composed of more than one cell, they have a small surface area in relation to their volume, and hence have a small surface area to volume ratio
- With a small surface area to volume ratio, Multicellular organisms therefore have inefficient rate of diffusion, preventing cell to rely on diffusion to transport necessary substances in and out of the cell (rate of metabolism will exceed rate of exchange of vital materials and wastes)
- Hence, Multicellular organisms rely on transport systems to provide a constant supply of necessary substances through a medium to their cells via an exchange surface
What are some common features of transport systems?
- TUBES OR VESSELS
Tubes or vessels to carry necessary substances from one part of organism to another in a structured process - CLOSE CONTACT WITH CELLS
Transport system will have close contact with cells via exchange surface for efficient exchange of necessary substances - PUMPS
Transport system may have pumps to ensure a constant supply of necessary substances to cells - the heart acts as a pump to ensure the constant circulation of blood by which materials are transported by in the human circulatory system
What is the phloem?
Tube system that transports organic compounds (Sucrose and Amino acids) from Sources to Sinks via Translocation
What is source?
Where organic compounds are synthesised (photosynthetic tissue - leaves)
What is sinks?
Where organic compounds are delivered to for use or for storage (roots, fruits and seeds)
What is the xylem?
Tube system composed of dead cells (reinforced with Lignin) that transports Water through the plant via transpiration - evaporation of water from the surface of plant)
Describe the Xylem in Transporting Water and Mineral Ions from the Roots to Other Parts of the Plant:
- Water is transported throughout the plant via Xylem
- Water is heated into Water vapour by sunlight in Spongy Mesophyll, transpiring out of Stomata which are pores on the underside of leaves
- Loss of Water via transpiration creates negative pressure, causing transpiration pull of Water molecules up the Xylem to form a continuous transpiration stream
- As a result, more Water is absorbed by the roots of the plant via osmosis
What is the function of the xylem?
- Constant uptake and transport of Mineral ions in plant (e.g Nitrates as a source of Amino acid to build Protein)
- Maintaining turgidity of cells for plant growth
- Provide Water to Photosynthesising cells in for Photosynthesis
- Evaporative cooling of plant leaves to maintain optimum temperature for optimum enzyme activity
What is a red blood cell?
Transports Oxygen in Haemoglobin of cell from Lungs to respiring cells for aerobic respiration
What are white blood cells?
Composed of two types of cells - Phagocytes that engulf and digest pathogens, and Lymphocytes that produce antibodies to deactivate antigens of Bacteria
What are platelets?
Cell fragments involved in blood clotting
What is plasma?
Medium of transport that carries Carbon Dioxide, digested food, Urea, Hormones and Heat
What is the blood made of?
55% - Plasma
45% - Red and white blood cells and platelets
What is the role of plasma in transporting carbon dioxide?
Plasma transports waste Carbon Dioxide produced via aerobic respiration to the lungs for exhalation
What is the role of plasma in transporting digested food?
Plasma transports digested food to respiring cells for assimilation in the form of simple sugars (e.g glucose) and Amino acids
What is the role of plasma in transporting urea?
Plasma transports waste substances for removal out of the body - Plasma transports Urea from liver to the kidney for excretion