L Pretest: Unit 5

Gas exchange takes place across the membranes of the alveoli and the

capillaries. How do the structures of these membranes improve the efficiency

of this process?

AIK

Bronchiole,

Alveo

Small blood

vessels (capillaris)

A. Pores in the membranes allow oxygen to move out of the alveoli's

cells and carbon dioxide to move into the cells.

O B. The shapes of the membranes slow blood flow, allowing more

time for gas exchange

O C. The shapes of the alveoli and the capillaries increase the surface

area of the membranes.

O D. The membranes have proteins that transport carbon dioxide and

oxygen against the concentration gradients.

Question

Biology

Nick Schwartz

5 May, 06:57

L Pretest: Unit 5

Gas exchange takes place across the membranes of the alveoli and the

capillaries. How do the structures of these membranes improve the efficiency

of this process?

AIK

Bronchiole,

Alveo

Small blood

vessels (capillaris)

A. Pores in the membranes allow oxygen to move out of the alveoli's

cells and carbon dioxide to move into the cells.

O B. The shapes of the membranes slow blood flow, allowing more

time for gas exchange

O C. The shapes of the alveoli and the capillaries increase the surface

area of the membranes.

O D. The membranes have proteins that transport carbon dioxide and

oxygen against the concentration gradients.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Jorge Randall · Answer 1

Answer: O C. The shapes of the alveoli and the capillaries increase the surface area of the membranes.

Explanation:

Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs, which takes the oxygen inside them. The membranes of the alveoli and the capillaries expand to take up the oxygen whereas the contract or becomes narrower when they expel out the carbon dioxide gas. Thus the shapes of the membranes of the alveoli and capillaries play an important role during exchange of gases.