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Which diagram best explains changes to the composition of blood in the lungs? Key ↑ O₂ ↑ CO₂ (A) (1) Alveolus Blood Capillary (B) (2) Alveolus Blood Capillary (C) (3) Alveolus Blood Capillary (D) (4) Alveolus Blood Capillary - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 13 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 13
Which diagram best explains changes to the composition of blood in the lungs? Key ↑ O₂ ↑ CO₂ (A) (1) Alveolus Blood Capillary (B) (2) Alveolus Blood Capillary (C... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which diagram best explains changes to the composition of blood in the lungs? Key ↑ O₂ ↑ CO₂ (A) (1) Alveolus Blood Capillary (B) (2) Alveolus Blood Capillary (C) (3) Alveolus Blood Capillary (D) (4) Alveolus Blood Capillary - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 13 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the key processes in the lungs
Answer
In the lungs, the primary processes that affect blood composition are the exchange of oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) between the alveoli and the capillaries surrounding them. The blood in the capillaries picks up O₂ from the alveoli and releases CO₂ into the alveoli, which is then exhaled.
Step 2
Analyze each diagram option
Answer
In the diagrams:
- Diagram A: Shows an uptake of O₂ and a decrease in CO₂, consistent with gas exchange in the lungs.
- Diagram B: Potentially misrepresents the gas exchange.
- Diagram C: Does not indicate any changes in gas composition.
- Diagram D: Also inaccurately depicts gas concentrations.
Only Diagram A accurately reflects the process of oxygen loading and carbon dioxide unloading.
Step 3