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The Need for Specialised Exchange Surfaces
Last updated
May 26, 2023
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# Single celled organisms
- exchange gases, nutrients and waste products across outer surfaces because they have a larger SA:V (surface area to volume ratio).
- low metabolic activity—diffusion via outer surface meets demands.
# Multicellular organisms
- smaller SA:V
- higher metabolic demand
- outer surface not large enough for diffusion to meet demands
- substances have to travel further to reach the centre of the organism
- require specialized exchange surfaces
- specialized exchange surfaces: surfaces over which materials are exchanged for another material.
# Features of good exchange surfaces
- increased SA—overcomes small SA:V of organism
- thin layers reduce distance for diffusion
- good blood supply creates a steep concentration gradient
- ventilation—maintains steep concentration gradient for movement of gases
Exchange Surfaces