Fish Gas Exchange

Question 1

Briefly explain gas exchange in fish

Answer 1

Gills are made up of filament sacks
The thin lamellae creates large surface area
When the fish open their mouth, water rushes in and over the gills then through the holes on the sides of the fishes head

Question 2

What creates large surface area , short diffusion pathway

Answer 2

Many gill filaments arranged in stacks covered in lamellea
Short diffusion distance is due to the capillary network in every lamellae and thin gill lamellea

Question 3

How is concentration gradient maintained

Answer 3

By a counter current flow
Flow is in opposite direction of the blood to make sure equilibrium isn’t reached
Ensures that diffusion gradient is maintained over entire lamellae