B4.5 Breathing And Gas Exchange

Question 1

what are Alveoli and how are they adapted to their function?

Answer 1

Site of gas exchange
Thin walls (one cell thick)- reduce diffusion distance but increases rate of diffusion
Large surface area- more reactions can occur in a given time
Constant blood flow- maintains a steep concentration gradients, so diffusion can continually occur

Question 2

What can energy from repsiraiton be used for ?

Answer 2

Movement/ muscle contraction
Keeping warm
Active transport
Building larger molecules