3.1.1: Surface Area And Volume Flashcards
What is the significance of the surface area to volume ratio in organisms?
The relationship between the surface area and volume influences the adaptations an organism will have.
A high surface area to volume ratio allows for efficient exchange of substances.
How do small organisms like amoeba meet their exchange needs?
They rely on simple diffusion across their large surface area relative to their volume.
This large surface area facilitates sufficient substance exchange.
What happens to the surface area to volume ratio as organisms increase in size?
The surface area decreases relative to volume, increasing the distance from the middle to the outside.
Larger organisms require adaptations for efficient transport.
What is the relationship between metabolic rate and size in organisms?
Larger organisms typically have a higher metabolic rate, necessitating efficient transport of waste and reactants.
This higher demand leads to adaptations in exchange surfaces.
What are the three structural factors that affect the rate of diffusion?
- Surface area
- Concentration gradient
- Length of diffusion pathway
These factors are crucial for maximizing diffusion efficiency.
Give an example of an adaptation that increases surface area in gas exchange.
Projections on root hair cells.
These projections enhance the area available for exchange.
What adaptation helps maintain a concentration gradient in gas exchange?
Ventilation and good blood supply.
These adaptations ensure that exchange surfaces are constantly supplied with fresh reactants.
How does the length of the diffusion pathway affect gas exchange efficiency?
A shorter diffusion pathway increases efficiency of gas exchange.
For example, the alveoli wall is made of a single layer of squamous epithelial cells.
Fill in the blank: The ratio of surface area to volume is calculated by _______.
Surface area ÷ Volume
This calculation is essential for understanding organism adaptations.
