3.1.1: Gas Exchange In Fish Flashcards
What is the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water compared to the atmosphere?
Water has a lower dissolved oxygen concentration compared to the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere.
What mechanism do fish use to maintain the concentration gradient for diffusion?
Counter-current flow mechanism.
How does the counter-current flow mechanism work in fish gills?
Water flows over the gill lamellae in the opposite direction to the flow of blood in the capillaries.
What is the result of using the counter-current flow mechanism in fish?
It ensures that a diffusion gradient is maintained across the entire length of the gill lamellae.
What would happen if blood and water flowed in the same direction in fish gills?
An equilibrium in oxygen concentration would be reached and diffusion would not occur along the entire gill lamellae.
What is the term for the flow mechanism that maintains a diffusion gradient?
Counter-current flow.
What are the structures in fish gills that facilitate gas exchange?
Gill lamellae.
Fill in the blank: The _______ system in insects is responsible for gas exchange.
Tracheal
What are the small tubes in the tracheal system called?
Tracheoles.
What is the role of spiracles in the tracheal system?
They are openings that allow air to enter the tracheal system.
What substance can accumulate in tissues during anaerobic respiration?
Lactate.
True or False: The counter-current flow mechanism allows for maximum oxygen extraction in fish.
True.
What is the purpose of maintaining a diffusion gradient in gas exchange?
To facilitate efficient gas exchange.
