6.0 Exchange Flashcards
Explain one advantage of concaved red blood cell compared to a spherical one.
greater surface area for oxygen diffusion
Describe two features of specialised exchange surfaces.
large surface area to volume ratio. Very thin so shorter diffusion distance. Movement of environmental medium to maintain concentration gradient. Effective internal trasnport system to ensure diffusion gradient is maintained.
How do you calculate the surface area of a cube?
Area of one side (length x length) x 6 sides
How do you calculate the volume of a cube?
Length x width x height
How do you calculate the ratio of surface area to volume of a cube?
Surface area / volume
How do you calculate the surface area of a sphere?
4 π r^2
How do you calculate the volume of a sphere?
4/3 π r^3
What is the equation given for diffusion?
diffusion = (surface area x difference in concentration) / length of diffusion path
How does mass transport of oxygen occur in insects?
Contraction of muscles through abdominanl pumping enabling mass movements of air in and out
How does oxygen reach the working muscles in an insect?
Through the tracheoles
What is the advantage of having water at the end of tracheoles?
In periods of high activity, anaerobic respiration will create lactate which will reduce the water potential of respiring cells causing them to take up water by osmosis. This loss of water from the tracheoles means gas is further inside them.
What are the tiny pores that gases enter and leave the insect via?
spiracles
What are the three ways gases move in and out of the tracheal system?
1- Along the diffusion gradient.
2 - Mass transport.
3 - Movement of the water at the end of the tracheoles.
Why are the insect’s spiracles generally closed?
To prevent water loss.
What are the main structure of gills?
gill filaments
What increases the surface area of the gills?
they have lots of gill filiaments with lots of gill lamellae on them
Describe how countercurrent flow allows for effective gaseous exchange.
Blood flows in the opposite direction to water. Ensures there is always a diffusion gradient between water and the gills allowing maximum uptake of oxygen
Explain how parallel flow decreases gaseous exchange.
Oxygen can only be absorbed by diffusion at the start where oxygen concentration in the water is higher than in the blood. Equilibrium is quickly reached.
What are the two process which require gases in a plant?
Photosynthesis and respiration
How is a leaf adapted for gas exchange?
1 - many small pores (stomata) for short diffusion pathway.
2 - lots of are spaces in the mesophyl layer for movement of gases
3 - Large surface area of mesophyl cells
During daytime, what is the exchange of gases in and out of the plant? Why?
Carbon dioxide in and oxygen out. Due to photosynthesis. Respiration doesn’t create enough carbon dioxide or use enough oxygen.
During night time, what is the exchange of gases in a plant? Why?
Carbon dioxide out and oxygen in. Respiration is still occuring, photosynthesis is not.
How are the gas exchange systems of plants similar to insects?
1 - The cells using the gases are close to the external air.
2 - Diffusion occurs in the gas phase, not water. 3 - Pores for air to enter and leave.
Where are stomata mainly found?
Bottom side of the leaf to limit evaporation and transpiration
What cell controls the opening and closing of stomata?
Guard cells
What is a disadvantage to having open stomata?
Excessive water loss
What is the name of the plants that are well adapted to dry environments?
Xerophytes
How do insects reduce water loss? Explain one example.
Small surface area to volume ratio, waterproof coverings, spiracles that can be opened and closed
What is the process known as when a plant loses water?
Transpiration
How does a thick cuticle reduce transpiration?
It is a waterproof barrier which increases diffusion distance
How does rolled up leaves reduce transpiration?
The stomata end up on the inside part of the leaf. this means water vapour becomes trapped and the air is saturated with water. It has a high water potential removing the water potential gradient between inside and outside the leaf.
How does having hairy leaves reduce transpiration?
These trap moisture near to the leaf, increasing water potential in the air, and reducing the water potential gradient. Less water is therefore evaportated.
How does having stomata in pits or grooves reduce transpiration?
Water vapour is trapped in the pit/groove. This increases the water potential in the air, and reduces the water potential gradient. Less water is therefore evaportated.
How does having a reduced surface area to volume ratio in the leaves of the plant reduce transpiration? What is a drawback of this adaptation?
The smaller the surface area to volume ratio, the slower the rate of diffusion. This slows evaporation. But has to be balanced against surface area for photosynthesis.
Suggest why must humans have a high rate of gaseous exchange?
Because they have a large volume of cells and have to maintain a high body temperature (related to high metabolic rate)
What are the lungs made of?
Bronchioles and alveoli
What is the airway from the mouth/nose to the lungs?
Trachea
Why is the trachea supported by a ring of cartilage?
To prevent it collapsing when air pressure inside is low