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GCSE Biology Paper 1 (9-1 Exams)

Water Surface Lamallae Large Area Gases Blood Flows

Gills maximize gas diffusion through gill filaments and lamellae which increase surface area, blood flow via capillaries, and a thin cell layer. Countercurrent flow of water and blood maintains a steep concentration gradient for efficient oxygen diffusion.

Las branquias maximizan la difusión de gases mediante filamentos branquiales y lamelas que aumentan la superficie, el flujo sanguíneo a través de capilares y una fina capa de células. El flujo unidireccional de agua y sangre mantiene un gradiente de concentración alto para una difusión eficiente de oxígeno.

Front How are leaves gills to maximise diffusion?
Back
  • Gill filaments give a large surface area for exchange of gases
  • Lamellae increase the surface area even more
  • Lamallae have lots of blood capillaries to speed up diffusion between the water and bllod. 
  • Lamallae have a thin surface layer of cells to minimise the distance that the gases have to diffuse
  • Blood flows through lamallae in one direction and water flows in the opposite direction, maintaing a large concentration gradient between water and blood. Concentration of oxxyegn in the water is always higher than the blood, so as much oxyegn as possible diffuses from the water into the blood.

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