Gas Exchange in Animals / Respiration

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What is the primary purpose of cellular respiration?

To eliminate carbon dioxide

To generate ATP energy (correct)

To produce sugars

To exchange gases with the environment

Which factor is NOT required for efficient gas exchange across the plasma membrane?

Greater concentration gradient of gases

Moist environment

Small surface area (correct)

Thin and permeable membrane

How do gases move into and out of a cell across the plasma membrane?

Via diffusion along a concentration gradient (correct)

Through osmosis

Via active transport

By endocytosis and exocytosis

Why do some organisms exchange gases with both air and water?

Due to differences in oxygen dissolved in air and water Signup and view all the answers

In which organisms is gas exchange most critical for survival?

Simple unicellular organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary respiratory mechanism used by higher forms of aquatic organisms?

Gills Signup and view all the answers

What structures are found in insects and most arthropods that are composed of systems of tubes known as tracheae?

Tracheal systems Signup and view all the answers

Why is cutaneous respiration problematic for larger organisms?

It relies on direct diffusion through the skin Signup and view all the answers

Which type of organisms can obtain oxygen from the environment through direct diffusion?

Single-celled organisms and lower forms like sponges Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of spiracles in insect respiration?

To prevent loss of fluid in the system Signup and view all the answers

Why are air breathers more sensitive to changes in carbon dioxide concentration?

They have receptors sensitive to carbon dioxide and blood pH Signup and view all the answers

How do small organisms with simple gas exchange structures differ from larger organisms?

They rely on cutaneous respiration Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge faced by single-celled organisms and lower forms of animals using cutaneous respiration?

Difficulty in obtaining oxygen from the environment as size increases Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the gas exchange process in insects and most arthropods from that of vertebrates?

Utilization of tracheal systems for respiration Signup and view all the answers

What factor drives ventilation in air breathers?

Carbon dioxide concentration and blood pH Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of spiracles in insect respiration?

To prevent fluid loss in the organism's system Signup and view all the answers

How do external gills primarily obtain oxygen in aquatic organisms?

By simple diffusion of gases in each gill Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of countercurrent flow in the exchange of gases in internal gills?

It maximizes the efficiency of oxygen intake by maintaining a concentration gradient Signup and view all the answers

How does the buccal and opercular pump system contribute to fish respiration?

By establishing a unidirectional flow of water over the gills for effective respiration Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes gas bladders from lungs in certain fish species?

Gas bladders function to maintain buoyancy, while lungs have a respiratory role Signup and view all the answers