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Answer the following questions in relation to carbon dioxide - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2014
Question c
Answer the following questions in relation to carbon dioxide. (i) Name a structure found in cells in which carbon dioxide is produced. (ii) Give a feature of a cap... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Answer the following questions in relation to carbon dioxide - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2014
Step 1
Name a structure found in cells in which carbon dioxide is produced.
Answer
The structure found in cells where carbon dioxide is produced is the Mitochondrion. It is primarily responsible for cellular respiration, a process that generates energy while releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
Step 2
Give a feature of a capillary which allows the rapid uptake of carbon dioxide.
Answer
A critical feature of capillaries that enables the rapid uptake of carbon dioxide is their thin wall structure. The walls are typically one cell thick, which allows for efficient diffusion of gases between blood and tissues.
Step 3
Carbon dioxide levels are usually higher in venous blood than in arterial blood. Why is this the case?
Answer
Venous blood generally has higher levels of carbon dioxide compared to arterial blood because it collects carbon dioxide produced from cellular respiration in tissues. Additionally, venous blood has been through the body and has not yet been sent to the lungs for gas exchange, where CO2 is cleared.
Step 4
Name a blood vessel which is an exception to the situation outlined in (iii) above. Give a reason for the exception.
Answer
The Pulmonary Vein is an exception to the situation where venous blood has higher carbon dioxide levels. This vessel carries oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart, and hence, the blood it carries has already been cleared of carbon dioxide.
Step 5
Briefly outline the role of carbon dioxide in the control of the human breathing rate.
Answer
Carbon dioxide levels play a significant role in modulating the human breathing rate. The Medulla oblongata, a part of the brain, registers blood carbon dioxide levels. An increase in CO2 results in faster breathing to expel more carbon dioxide, while lower CO2 levels lead to slower breathing. This feedback mechanism helps maintain homeostasis in the body.