Discus the factors that affect the rate of diffusion at a respiratory surface.
- Surface area of the respiratory surface; the larger the surface area across which diffusion can occur, the higher the diffusion rate. A large surface area provides enough space for interaction of diffusing molecules with the respiration surface thus increasing the rate of diffusion across the surface.
- Concentrations gradient of respiratory gases across the respiratory surface, respiratory gases diffuse from the region of their higher concentration to one of their lower concentration. Therefore, the grater the concentration gradient the faster the rate of diffusion.
- Thickness of the respiratory surface. The faster thinner the respiratory surface, the shorter the diffusion distance across which molecules have to move. Thus, the rate of diffusion is higher across a thin respiratory surface.
- Temperature of the respiratory medium. Temperature increases the kinetic energy of the diffusing respiratory molecules which in turn increases the speed at which the molecules move across the respiratory surface.
- Moisture at the respiratory surface increases the rate of diffusion
CATEGORIES Bio Questions and answers
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