Transport in AnimalsEdexcel GCSE Biology: Flashcards

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Six substances transported in animals?

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Six substances transported in animals?: Oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, dissolved food, mineral ions, urea.
What is urea and why transported?: Toxic waste from excess amino acid breakdown; carried to kidneys for excretion.
Why do larger organisms need transport systems?: Surface area to volume ratio decreases with size, making diffusion alone too slow.
2cm cube surface area to volume ratio?: SA=24cm², vol=8cm³, ratio=3:1.
How is red blood cell structure suited to function?: Biconcave, no nucleus — large SA for oxygen diffusion, more room for haemoglobin.
Function of phagocytes?: Engulf and digest pathogens.
Function of lymphocytes?: Produce antibodies.
What does plasma transport?: Dissolved substances (glucose, urea, hormones) and heat.
Role of platelets?: Help blood clot at wounds.
Artery structure and function?: Thick muscular wall, narrow lumen; withstands high pressure.
Vein structure and function?: Thin wall, wide lumen, valves; carries low-pressure blood back to heart.
Capillary structure and function?: Wall one cell thick; allows efficient exchange with tissues.
Why do red blood cells have no nucleus?: More space for haemoglobin, maximising oxygen transport.
Order: artery, capillary, vein from heart?: Artery → capillary → vein.