Particulate matter is solid particles and liquid particles suspended in air - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 6
Particulate matter is solid particles and liquid particles suspended in air. Polluted air contains more particulate matter than clean air.
A high concentration of p... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Particulate matter is solid particles and liquid particles suspended in air - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Reduced surface area
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Answer
The death of alveolar epithelial cells decreases the surface area available for gas exchange. Fewer cells mean a smaller area for oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream and for carbon dioxide to diffuse out.
Step 2
Increased distance for diffusion
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Answer
As the alveolar epithelial cells die and are replaced by non-specialised, thickened tissue, the distance that gases must travel to diffuse decreases the efficiency of gas exchange.
Step 3
Reduced rate of gas exchange
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Answer
The combination of reduced surface area and increased distance for diffusion leads to a significant reduction in the rate of gas exchange. This can result in inadequate oxygen supply to the body and insufficient removal of carbon dioxide.
