Neco 2022 Biology Question 4

Practice essay / theory question 4 from the 2022 Neco Biology examination. This question covers respiration, ventilation, external respiration, gas exchange .

Neco 2022 Biology Essay / Theory
Topics: respiration ventilation external respiration gas exchange
Question 4 NECO • 2022 • BIOLOGY • essay

The labelled diagram shows the major structures of the human respiratory system.

Question Parts

( a )
Identify any three structures shown in the diagram and state one specific function of each.
( b )
Explain the process of external respiration, describing (i) the mechanical events that move air into the lungs and (ii) how oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the alveoli and the blood.
( c )
The following data are given for an adult at rest: - Diffusion coefficient for O₂ (D) = 2.0 × 10⁻⁵ cm²·s⁻¹ - Total alveolar surface area (A) = 70 000 cm² - Thickness of the alveolar‑capillary membrane (T) = 5.0 × 10⁻⁵ cm - Partial pressure difference for O₂ between alveolus and blood (ΔP) = 100 mmHg Using Fick’s law of diffusion (\(Rate = \frac{D \times A \times \Delta P}{T}\)), calculate the theoretical rate of O₂ diffusion (in cm³·s⁻¹). Then state whether this rate is sufficient to meet the average resting oxygen demand of 250 mL·min⁻¹. Show all steps and reasoning.

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About This Question

This is Neco 2022 Biology Question 4. It is one of the essay questions from the 2022 Neco Biology examination.

The question covers respiration, ventilation, external respiration, gas exchange .

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