Question

What are two features of the gills of aquatic animals that favor diffusion of $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ ?

   What are two features of the gills of aquatic animals that favor
diffusion of $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ ?

Biology: How Life Works

Biology: How Life Works

James Morris, Daniel… 3rd Edition

Chapter 37, Problem 4

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Khalida Dawar

02/17/2022

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The gills are composed of thin, flattened epithelial cells. This structure allows for a large surface area for gas exchange. Show more…

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What are two features of the gills of aquatic animals that favor diffusion of $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ ?

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Key Concepts

Large Surface Area

Gills are structured with many thin, closely spaced filaments and lamellae that substantially increase the total surface area available for gas exchange. This increased area allows for more oxygen to diffuse into the blood and more carbon dioxide to diffuse out, enhancing the efficiency of respiration in aquatic environments.

Thin Diffusion Barrier

The respiratory surfaces in gills are characterized by their extremely thin cellular layers, which minimize the distance that oxygen and carbon dioxide must travel during diffusion. This thin barrier significantly reduces resistance to gas exchange, allowing for quicker uptake of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide from the blood.

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