Biology Exchange and Transport

Study Notes

Exchange Surfaces

Surface Area to Volume Ratio: The ratio of the surface area of an organism to its volume. A higher ratio allows for more efficient exchange of substances.
Types of Exchange Surfaces:
- Alveoli (lungs): gas exchange between air and blood
- Villi (small intestine): absorption of nutrients into bloodstream
- Root hair cells (plants): absorption of water and minerals from soil

Transport in Animals

Blood Circulatory System:
- Functions:
  - Transport of oxygen and nutrients to cells
  - Transport of carbon dioxide and waste products away from cells
- Components:
  - Heart: pumps blood throughout the body
  - Arteries: transport oxygenated blood away from heart
  - Veins: transport deoxygenated blood towards heart
  - Capillaries: site of exchange between blood and tissues
Blood Components:
- Plasma: liquid portion of blood, carrying proteins, nutrients, and waste products
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): carry oxygen from lungs to tissues
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): part of immune system, fighting infection
- Platelets: involved in blood clotting

Transport in Plants

Xylem:
- Functions:
  - Transport of water and minerals from roots to leaves
  - Transport of sugars produced in photosynthesis to rest of plant
- Components:
  - Tracheids: dead, hollow cells that form xylem vessels
  - Vessel elements: living cells that form xylem vessels
Phloem:
- Functions:
  - Transport of sugars produced in photosynthesis to rest of plant
  - Transport of hormones and other organic compounds
- Components:
  - Sieve cells: living cells that form phloem vessels
  - Companion cells: living cells that support sieve cells

Description

Test your knowledge of exchange surfaces and transport systems in animals and plants. Learn about the functions and components of the circulatory system, xylem, and phloem. Understand the importance of surface area to volume ratio and different types of exchange surfaces.