Module 3: Exchange and Transport Flashcards
(124 cards)
How do single-called and small organisms use diffusion?
They use diffusion to exchange materials across their cell surface membranes
Definition of diffusion
Movement of molecules from a region of high to low concentration
Why is the exchange surface in small organisms adequate to exchange materials by diffusion?
Because they have a large surface area to volume ratio
What does diffusion distance depend on?
Thickness of the cell surface membrane
Why is diffusion insufficient to supply requirements to large multicellular organisms
Because larger organisms have a lower SA:Volume ratio
What does large SA:volume ratio mean?
It means that the organism has a lower amount of surface in contact with the external environment in relation to its volume
Why do larger organisms have a greater demand for materials?
Larger organisms produce greater amounts of toxic waste and heat
(Due to large number of cells undergoing metabolism)
Waste needs removing quickly
(Heat must be dissipated to prevent the denaturing of enzymes)
Exchange surfaces in large multicellular organisms
Intestine - for absorption of digested nutrients
Alveoli - in lungs for gas exchange
Example of a transport system in a large multicellular organism
Circulatory system
How would an exchange surface increase efficiency??
Use of active transport
Bulk transport
Facilitated diffusion
Advantages of having a large surface area
Provides more space for molecules to pass through
How is surface area increased
Folds in walls and membranes
What is the purpose of a thin barrier?
Reduces diffusion distance
What is the purpose of having a fresh supply of molecules on one side?
Maintain concentration gradient
In the nose, when air is breathed in it is:
Warmed
Moistened
Filtered
What other structures must air pass through?
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Ends up in air sacs/alveoli
Why will a large multicellular organism need the most highly developed transport system?
- has many cell layers
* larger organisms so there is a larger diffusiosn distanc
Position of the lungs
Situated in the thorax
Surrounded by the ribcage
Each lung is covered by pleural membrane
Pleural membrane
Secretes a lubricating fluid
Allows lungs to inflate/deflate without rubbing up against the inner walls of the ribcage
Appearance of the muscular diaphragm
Normally domed
Muscular contraction flattens it
Alveoli in the mammalian lung
Covered in a thin film of moisture
Gases dissolve in the alveoli before diffusing through the alveolar wall
What does the blood flow do
Brings CO2 rich blood
Removed oxygenated blood
Trachea - smooth muscle
Contracts and relax to allow diameter of airways to be controlled
What happens to the airways when the smooth muscle relaxes??
During exercise the muscles relax which makes the airways wider
This reduces resistance to air flow and ventilation