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 epithelium cells results in a reduced surface area available for gas exchange. The alveoli are crucial for maximizing the interface between air and blood, and any loss decreases efficiency.
Step 2
Increased distance for diffusion
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Answer
When alveolar epithelium cells die, the resulting thickened tissue increases the distance over which gases (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) must diffuse. This longer distance reduces the rate of gas exchange.
Step 3
Reduced rate of gas exchange
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Answer
With fewer healthy alveolar cells and a thicker barrier, the overall rate of gas exchange decreases. Oxygen uptake into the blood is impaired and carbon dioxide removal is inefficient.
