Transport in Animals

Question 1

briefly describe the types of blood vessels and what they do

Answer 1

1. Arteries: carry blood away from the heart

2.Capillaries: connect arteries to veins

3. Veins: returns blood to the heart

Question 2

What is plasma and where is it found

Answer 2

Plasma is found in the blood and it is

A
straw-colour
ed liquid
that carries
the cells and
the platelets
which help
blood clot.

It also contains useful
things like:

carbon dioxide

glucose

amino acids

plasma proteins

minerals

vitamins

hormones

waste materials

like urea.

Question 3

Briefly explain the functions of red blood cells

Answer 3

A red blood cell is

a biconcave disc that is
round and flat without a
nucleus

they contain haemoglobin, a
molecule specially designed
to hold oxygen and carry it
to cells that need it.

they can change shape to an
amazing extent, without
breaking, as it squeezes
single file through the
capillaries.

Question 4

Briefly explain the function of haemogloblin

Answer 4

gives red blood cells
their colour

can carry up to 4
molecules of O2 (8 O
atoms)

associates and
dissociates with O2

contains iron

Question 5

Explain how haemoglobin transports oxygen to the tissues where they are needed

Answer 5

When there is a high concentration of oxygen e.g
in the alveoli, haemoglobin combines with oxygen to
form oxyhaemoglobin. When the blood reaches the
tissue which have a low concentration of oxygen
the haemoglobin dissociates with the oxygen and
the oxygen is released into body tissues

Question 6

explain the functions of white blood cells

Answer 6

there are many different types and
all contain a big nucleus.

the two main ones are the
lymphocytes and the Phagocytes
(macrophages).

phagocytes ‘eat’ and digest
micro-organisms .

some lymphocytes fight disease by making antibodies to destroy
invaders by dissolving them.

other lymphocytes make antitoxins to break down poisons.