Animal Exchange and Transport Flashcards
Where is oxygen exchanged and why is it exchanged?
It is exchanged at the alveoli in the lungs
We require oxygen for respiration.
Where is carbon dioxide exchanged and why is it exchanged?
It is exchanged at the alveoli in the lungs.
We exchange it to remove the waste product of metabolism.
Where is water exchanged and why is it exchanged?
It is exchanged in the nephrons in the kidney.
We require water for cells to function properly.
Where are dissolved food molecules exchanged and why are they exchanged?
They are exchanged in the small intestine.
We require food molecules for respiration.
Where are mineral ions exchanged and why are they exchanged?
They are exchanged in the small intestine.
We require mineral ions for cells to function properly.
Where is urea exchanged and why is it exchanged?
It is exchanged in the nephrons in the kidney.
We exchange urea to remove the waste product of metabolism.
Why are alveoli adapted?
They are adapted for gas exchange by diffusion between the air in the lungs and the blood in the capillaries.
What are some adaptations of alveoli?
- A large amount of alveoli creates a large surface area for diffusion to occur.
- Each alveolus is close to a capillary, which reduces the distance travelled by the gases.
- Alveoli walls are one cell thick, also minimising diffusion distance.
What factors maintain a high concentration gradient and maximum rate of diffusion during breathing?
- A continuous supply (continuous ventilation) of air to the alveoli.
- Continual blood flow in the capillaries.
What is Fick’s law used for?
The calculation of the rate of diffusion.
What is Fick’s law (as an equation)?
rate of diffusion α(proportional) surface area x concentration difference / thickness of the membrane.
What factors in Fick’s law should be the highest and which should be the lowest?
For the rate of diffusion to be as high as possible, surface area and concentration difference need to be as high as possible and the thickness of the membrane needs to be as low as possible.
