Topic 3- exchange of substances Flashcards
insect tracheoles have thin walls. How does this increase the efficiency of gas exchange?
it means there is a short diffusion distance to cells
Insects have a large number of highly branched tracheoles. How does this increase the efficiency of gas exchange?
it means there is a short diffusion distance to cells and a large surface area for gas exchange
Insect tracheae are full of air. How does this increase the efficiency of gas exchange?
it means that gases diffuse quickly into tissues
Fluid in the ends of tracheoles moves out into tissues during exercise. How does this increase the efficiency of gas exchange?
the final diffusion pathway is gas rather than liquid, so diffusion to the gas exchange surface is faster and the surface area for gas exchange is larger
Insects can use their muscles to move air through tracheae. How does this increase the efficiency of gas exchange?
maintains a steep diffusion gradient for oxygen and carbon dioxide
define counter-current flow
When two materials flow in opposite directions to maintain a concentration gradient
What is a stoma?
A pore, usually found in the lower epidermis of a leaf, through which gases diffuse
In the mammalian gas exchange system, what is the trachea?
A flexible airway lined with cells, and supported by rings of cartilage, through which air moves towards and away from the lungs
In humans, the trachea and large bronchi are supported by cartilage. How does this adaptation support their function?
It prevents airways from collapsing when air pressure drops when breathing in
In humans, the trachea and bronchi are lined with cilia. How does this adaptation support their function?
cilia move mucus towards the throat
How are alveoli adapted for efficient gas exchange?
the alveolar epithelium is one cell thick which creates a short diffusion pathway for gas exchange
What is maltase?
an enzyme that hydrolyses maltose to form glucose
What is an endopeptidase?
an enzyme which acts in the middle of a polypeptide and hydrolyses peptide bonds to produce shorter polypeptides
What is an exopeptidase?
an enzyme which acts at the end of a polypeptide and hydrolyses peptide bonds to form dipeptides and amino acids
What is a dipeptidase?
an enzyme which acts on a dipeptide and hydrolyses peptide bonds to form amino acids
What is haemoglobin and its structure?
A protein enabling transport of oxygen in the blood. It has a quaternary structure and four prosthetic haem groups which are able to bind oxygen.