Gas exchange and diseases

Question 1

What effect does altitude have on respiration?

Answer 1

• atmospheric pressure decreases causing volume to increase.
• not enough oxygen per given molecule, harder to breathe due to less oxygen per breath
• Over time, kidneys secrete EPO (hormone) which stimulates red blood cell production to acclimatize

Question 2

What is Asthma

Answer 2

Bronchi are temporarily swollen and mucus restricts air flow. Person finds it hard to breathe

Question 3

3 Ways Carbon Dioxide is Transported in the Blood

Answer 3

• Dissolved in plasma (7%)
• Carried by hemoglobin as “carbaminohemoglobin” (20%)
• Reacting with water to form carbonic acid (73%)

Question 4

How is Oxygen transported in the blood

Answer 4

• Dissolved in plasma (1.5%)
• Carried by hemoglobin in the red blood cells (98.5%)
• 1 molecule of hemoglobin carrying up to 4 molecules of oxygen

Question 5

Chronic Bronchitis

Answer 5

Bronchi are permanently swollen and have too much mucus. Person often coughs and breathless due to less O2

Question 6

Emphysema

Answer 6

Alveoli (air sacs) collapse and/or are destroyed permanently. Less gas exchange = harder to get O2

Question 7

Pneumonia

Answer 7

Alveoli fill with fluid caused by bacteria or viruses causing coughing, chest pain, fever, etc.

Question 8

Cystic Fibrosis

Answer 8

Genetic (recessive)

• Misshapen protein in the membrane lining causing an imbalance of Na+ ions
• Causes mucous buildup in linings of lungs, pancreas & organs

Question 9

How does training at high altitude give athletes an advantage

Answer 9

the increased red blood cells provide an advantage in oxygen carrying capacity