M3 - INSECTS Flashcards
(7 cards)
why cant gases directly diffuse into insect and how does it end up diffusing in
insects have hard, protective exoskeleton which gases cannot easily pass through
they have spiracles which allow gases to diffuse in
chain of gas movement in an insect
spiracles -> trachae -> tracheoles -> cells
what are trachae and how are they adapted
theyre network of wide tubes
reinforced w chitin to prevent collapse
how are tracheoles efficient for gas exchange
- they extend down in between cells
this means very low diffusion distance - theres a large amount of tracheoles, increasing surface area
what happens with anaerobic respiration
lactic acid is produced, which lowers water potential of tracheoles
this causes water to leave tracheoles which decreases overall tracheal fluid volume
air moves into tracheoles and theres also more SA available for diffusion
how do insects deal with water loss
muscular sphincters surround spiracles and they can close spiracles to prevent water loss when supply may be scarce
how are some insects adapted for transport
they have a thorax and abdomen which can contract to push air
this bulk movement is called MASS TRANSPORT
