Size and Surface Area Flashcards

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1
Q

Definition of surface area

A

the total area of the organism that is exposed to the external environment.

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2
Q

Definition of volume

A

the total internal volume of the organism (total amount of space inside the organism)

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3
Q

Surface area: volume ratio correlation.

A

As the surface area and volume of an organism increase (and therefore the overall ‘size’ of the organism increases), the surface area: volume ratio decreases.

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4
Q

Smaller animals have a greater SA:V ratio

A

so they lose more heat, meaning they have to use up more energy to maintain their body temperature.

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5
Q

Single-celled organisms have a high SA:V ratio

A
  • The large surface area allows for maximum absorption of nutrients and gases and secretion of waste products.
  • The small volume means the diffusion distance to all organelles is short
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6
Q

Removal of Carbon Dioxide:

A
  • Carbon dioxide is a toxic waste product of aerobic respiration.

-If it accumulates in cells/tissues it alters the pH.

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7
Q

Single-celled organisms

A

-Substances can diffuse directly into the cell across the cell-surface membrane.

-The diffusion rate is quick because of the small distances the substance must travel.

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8
Q

In multicellular organisms, diffusion across the outer membrane is too slow, for two reasons:

A

1.Some cells are deep within the body – there is a big distance between them and the outside environment.

2.Larger animals have a low surface area to volume ratio – its difficult to exchange enough substances to supply a large volume of animal through a relatively small outer surface.

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9
Q

What does mass transport refer to?

A

Normally refers to the circulatory system, which uses blood to carry glucose and oxygen around the body.

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10
Q

Mass transport in plants

A

Involves the transport of water and solutes in the xylem and phloem.

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11
Q

Body size

A

The rate of heat loss from an organism depends on its surface area. If an organism has a large volume.

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12
Q

Body shape

A

Animals with a compact shape have a small surface area relative to their volume – minimising heat lost from their surface.

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13
Q

Animals with a high surface area: volume ratio

A

Tend to lose more water as it evaporates from their surface.

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14
Q

What adaptions do animals living in hot regions have?

A

Small desert mammals have kidney structure adaptions so that they produce less urine to compensate.

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