😤 Gas exchange in mammals and plants


Introduction

Gas exchange in mammals

Gas exchange in plants


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Introduction

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In complex, multicellular organisms cells organise themselves in such a way that enables a greater structure and function. Cells differentiate into specific structures and functions, and organise themselves as such intoĀ tissues. The different tissues can then formĀ organsĀ with yet a higher level of structure and function, and organs can work together in certain broad areas of the organism’s structure and function by taking part inĀ organ systems.

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Isn’t that grand? Let me tell you a little secret. For anyone who’s seen the filmĀ LifeĀ starring our first Martian life form called Calvin, there is way that cells can associate the way Calvin does. In this case, cells aren’t at all differentiated to do different things in tissues, organs, etc. but instead maintain their single cell status among equal single cells. They associate at a higher level to produce certain greater effects, and can even look as if the structure were multicellular or complex, but it isn’t really, or at least it isn’t in the same way it is for true multicellular organisms.

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This is the case forĀ algaeĀ as well as for fungi and creepy Martian creatures.

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Gas exchange in mammals

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The mammalian (hence human) gas exchange system is made of theĀ trachea, from which theĀ bronchiĀ branch off, followed by theĀ bronchiolesĀ into the lungs, and finally theĀ alveoli, which are the functional unit of the lungs. Of course this is nonsense without an image:

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Air enters the lungs via the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles into the tiny air sacs – the alveoli…..

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