cells/organs adapted to maximise diffusion

what diffuses in/out of a red blood cell?

oxygen INTO the cell

adaptations of a red blood cell? (to maximise diffusion)

biconcave shape which equals a large surface and small volume for maximum diffusion

what diffuses in/out a root hair cell?

- water INTO the cell (osmosis)

- mineral ions INTO the cell (active transport)

adaptations of a root hair cell? (to maximise diffusion)

- contains mitochondria which release energy for active transport

- increased surface area

what diffuses in/out of the lungs? (alveoli)

- oxygen INTO the lungs

- carbon dioxide OUT of the lungs

adaptations of the lungs (alveoli)? (to maximise diffusion)

- MANY alveolar sacs = large SA:Volume

- alveoli walls are one cell thick so there is a short distance for the diffusion of gases

what diffuses in/out the small intestine?

- nutrients INTO the intestine

adaptations of the small intestine? (to maximise diffusion)

- inner surface is covered in finger like projections called villi, and each villus is covered in even smaller projections called microvilli. These villi provide a large surface area.

- walls of the villi are extremely thin, which minimises the distance that nutrients need to travel to enter the bloodstream