Surface Area Flashcards
1
Q
What happens as an organism gets larger?
A
The organism requires more oxygen in order to fulfil its metabolic needs so more exchange must take place.
2
Q
What happens as SA:V ratio decreases?
A
Diffusion and the efficiency of gas exchange, via diffusion, decreases.
3
Q
What must happen to an organism in order for SA:V ratio to decrease?
A
The size of the organism/cell must increase.
4
Q
Why must the rate of diffusion be rapid within the body?
A
Because the body’s demand for oxygen is enormous.
5
Q
What three things does the rate of diffusion rely on?
A
- SA: the greater the SA, the greater the rate of diffusion
- CG: the greater the difference in concentration (greater CG), the greater the rate of diffusion.
- Thickness of exchange surface: The thicker the gas exchange surface, the slower the rate of diffusion.
6
Q
What is Fick’s Law?
A
Surface Area x difference in concentration / thickness of gas exchange surface.
