Scribd
Upload
5 views3 pages

Grade 11 Life Sciences Term 3 Topic 1

The document outlines the processes of cellular respiration, breathing, and gas exchange, highlighting their distinct roles in energy production and oxygen transport. It details the requirements for efficient gas exchange organs and describes the structure and functioning of the human respiratory system, including the lungs and associated muscles. Additionally, it explains the mechanics of ventilation, the gaseous exchange process in alveoli, and the composition differences between inspired and expired air.

Uploaded by

hameshachatergune
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views3 pages

Grade 11 Life Sciences Term 3 Topic 1

The document outlines the processes of cellular respiration, breathing, and gas exchange, highlighting their distinct roles in energy production and oxygen transport. It details the requirements for efficient gas exchange organs and describes the structure and functioning of the human respiratory system, including the lungs and associated muscles. Additionally, it explains the mechanics of ventilation, the gaseous exchange process in alveoli, and the composition differences between inspired and expired air.

Uploaded by

hameshachatergune
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Grade 11 Life Sciences – Gaseous Exchange

1. Distinguish Between Cellular Respiration, Breathing and Gas Exchange

 Cellular respiration:
o Chemical process in mitochondria.
o Uses oxygen to break down glucose → releases energy (ATP), CO₂ and water.
o Equation:

C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O

Breathing (ventilation):

o Physical/mechanical movement of air into (inhalation) and out of (exhalation)


lungs.
 Gas exchange:
o Movement of O₂ from air → blood, and CO₂ from blood → air.
o Occurs across respiratory surfaces (e.g., alveoli in humans).

2. Requirements of Efficient Gas Exchange Organs

 Large surface area: More space for gases to diffuse (e.g., many alveoli).
 Thin surface: Short diffusion distance (one cell thick).
 Moist: Gases dissolve in water before diffusing.
 Well ventilated: Constant supply/removal of gases to maintain concentration
gradients.
 Protected: Prevents damage and water loss (e.g., rib cage).
 Transport system: Blood vessels to carry gases to/from cells.

3. Human Gas Exchange – Structure, Location, Adaptations & Functioning

Main parts:

1. Trachea:
o Tube from larynx to bronchi; C-shaped cartilage rings keep it open.
o Lined with ciliated epithelium & mucus to trap and move dust.
2. Epiglottis:
o Flap that closes trachea during swallowing → prevents food entry.
3. Bronchi:
o Two branches from trachea to each lung; also supported by cartilage.
4. Bronchioles:
o Smaller branches; no cartilage; lead to alveolar sacs.
5. Lungs:
o Located in thoracic cavity; spongy tissue with millions of alveoli.
6. Ribs:
o Form rib cage; protect lungs; move to change chest volume.
7. Intercostal muscles:
o Between ribs; contract to lift ribs during inhalation.
8. Diaphragm:
o Dome-shaped muscle; flattens during inhalation to increase chest volume.
9. Alveoli:
o Tiny air sacs; one cell thick; surrounded by capillaries for gas exchange.

Adaptations:

 Large number of alveoli → large surface area.


 Alveolar walls → thin & moist.
 Rich capillary network for transport.
 Elastic fibres for expansion/recoil.

4. Ventilation of the Lungs

 Inhalation:
o Intercostal muscles contract → ribs move up/out.
o Diaphragm contracts → flattens.
o Thoracic volume ↑, pressure ↓ → air flows in.
 Exhalation:
o Intercostal muscles relax → ribs move down/in.
o Diaphragm relaxes → dome shape.
o Thoracic volume ↓, pressure ↑ → air flows out.

5. Gaseous Exchange

 In alveoli:
o O₂ diffuses from alveolar air (high conc.) → blood (low conc.).
o CO₂ diffuses from blood → alveolar air.
 Transport of gases:
o O₂ carried in haemoglobin as oxyhaemoglobin.
o CO₂ carried dissolved in plasma, as bicarbonate ions, or bound to
haemoglobin.
 In tissues:
o O₂ diffuses from blood → cells (for respiration).
o CO₂ diffuses from cells → blood.
6. Composition of Inspired vs. Expired Air

Gas Inspired Air (%) Expired Air (%) Reason for Change
Oxygen ~21 ~16 Used in respiration
Carbon dioxide ~0.03 ~4 Produced by respiration
Nitrogen ~78 ~78 Not used in exchange
Water vapour Low (varies) High From moist alveoli

Data analysis tip:


Look for ↓ in O₂ and ↑ in CO₂ in expired air → proof of gas exchange.

You might also like