Respiratory System Flashcards
What are respiratory pigments?
Respiratory pigments are simply any molecule that increases the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.
They are coloured proteins capable of combining reversibly with oxygen.
What is the role of respiratory pigments?
They transport oxygen
What is the secondary function of respiratory pigments?
Transport CO2 back to lungs
Do mammalian RBCs have a nucleus?
No - they are anucleated.
What does the absence of a nucleus in RBCs mean for oxygen transport?
It allows for more haemoglobin to be carried by the cell, thus allowing more oxygen (and carbon dioxide) to be transported.
What biological process requires the exchange of gases?
Cellular respiration
___ _________ is the process by which respiratory gases (O2 and CO2) enter and leave the body by _______ across ___ _________ ________.
GAS EXCHANGE is the process by which respiratory gases (O2 and CO2) enter and leave the body by DIFFUSION across GAS EXCHANGE SURFACES.
What 2 features of gas exchange surfaces allow for effective gas exchange rates?
- thin
- high surface area
Why must gas exchange surfaces be moist?
So that gases can dissolve before diffusing across.
What important aspect of diffusion is maintained by transport of gases away from the gas exchange surface?
Concentration gradient
Gills, lungs and stomata are all examples of what?
Specialised gas exchange surfaces
What is cellular respiration?
Cellular respiration is the breakdown of sugars and other substances to provide energy to cells.
