Biology: Gas Exchange: Insects Flashcards

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1
Q

Outline the structure of an insects gas exchange system

A

-air filled pipes, tracheae -tracheae divide to tracheoles -tracheoles penetrate individual cells
-spiracles are pores on exoskeleton where air enters trachea -tracheae supported by strengthened rings to prevent collapse

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2
Q

Explain how air moves in and out of the insect tracheal system

A

-cells respiring, oxygen concentration falls at tracheole ends -concentration gradient for oxygen diffusion is established -high carbon dioxide concentration in respiring cells
-carbon dioxide concentration established out of cells

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3
Q

How does ventilation work in insects?

A

-muscles contract between each body segment -pumping raises pressure -air forced out of spiracles down pressure gradient -insect compresses tracheae for pumping mechanism

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4
Q

What adaptations do tracheoles have?

A

-thin walls -highly branched -fluid in ends of trachea

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5
Q

What is the importance of thin walls in tracheoles?

A

short diffusion distance

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6
Q

What is the importance of being highly branched for tracheoles?

A

increases surface area

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7
Q

Why is fluid in the ends of trachea an important adaptation?

A

-reduces volume, more air drawn in -air to liquid is more efficient exchange -tracheal fluid withdrawn into body fluid to increase surface area exposed to air

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8
Q

How does water move into cells from tracheoles?

A

-anaerobic respiration produces lactate -lactate soluble and lowers water potential
-water moves in via osmosis

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9
Q

Why are muscles important in an insects gas exchange system?

A

creates pumping mechanism which allows for a concentration gradient to be maintained

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10
Q

Why are spiracles opening and closing a beneficial trait?

A

prevents water loss

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