The diagram shows an alveolus and the capillary beside it, each with a wall only one cell thick. State how this thinness affects the exchange of gases.

Assessment: Biology 0610 | Paper 1 Mock 01 | Multiple Choice (Core) Subject: Biology - 0610

Question 1 Report

The diagram shows an alveolus and the capillary beside it, each with a wall only one cell thick. State how this thinness affects the exchange of gases.

diagram

Answer Details

Because the alveolus and capillary walls are each only one cell thick, the gases have a very short distance to diffuse, so exchange is rapid. Diffusion is faster over shorter distances, which is why the thinness speeds, rather than slows, exchange. The gases move by diffusion down their concentration gradients, not by active pumping.

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