The Question is from neet-zoology breathing-and-exchange-of-gases , and it was created by the author K SUNKANNA

Question

A rare genetic mutation affects the function of pulmonary surfactant. Which of the following would be the MOST direct consequence of this mutation?

K SUNKANNA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Pulmonary surfactant function and its role in lung mechanics.
 **Related Topics**: Alveolar surface tension, lung compliance, gas exchange, respiratory distress syndrome.
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of the respiratory system, particularly the alveoli and the role of surfactant in reducing surface tension.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
A genetic mutation affects pulmonary surfactant function.
**Method & Steps**:
1. Understand the role of pulmonary surfactant.
  Reasoning: Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids and proteins produced by alveolar type II cells. Its primary function is to reduce the surface tension at the air-liquid interface within the alveoli.
  Formula/Rule:  None directly applicable, this is a conceptual understanding question.
2. Consider the consequence of reduced surfactant function.
  Working:  If surfactant function is impaired, the surface tension in the alveoli will increase. This increased surface tension will make it more difficult to inflate the lungs during inspiration (breathing in).
  Key Point:  Increased surface tension directly opposes lung inflation.
3. Identify the most direct consequence.
  Result: Increased alveolar surface tension and difficulty inflating lungs.
  Verification: This directly relates to the loss of surfactant's tension-reducing properties.  The other options are indirect consequences or are incorrect.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Decreased airway resistance and increased airflow is incorrect.  Surfactant primarily affects alveolar surface tension, not airway resistance.
B ✓: Increased alveolar surface tension and difficulty inflating lungs is the most direct consequence of reduced surfactant function.
C :x: Enhanced gas exchange and increased oxygen diffusion is incorrect.  Reduced surfactant leads to impaired gas exchange, not enhanced.
D :x: Reduced pulmonary blood pressure and improved circulation is incorrect.  Surfactant's primary role is in alveolar mechanics, not circulatory function.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing surfactant's role with other aspects of respiration (e.g., airway resistance).: Focus on the primary function of surfactant in reducing alveolar surface tension.
  2.Assuming a direct relationship between surfactant and gas exchange without considering the impact on lung inflation.:  Reduced surfactant first impacts lung inflation, which then affects gas exchange.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the key function of pulmonary surfactant: to reduce alveolar surface tension and improve lung compliance.
  2.Connect reduced surfactant with increased alveolar surface tension and difficulty in lung inflation.

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Decreased airway resistance and increased airflow

K SUNKANNA · Answer

The correct Option is "Increased alveolar surface tension and difficulty inflating lungs"

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Enhanced gas exchange and increased oxygen diffusion

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Reduced pulmonary blood pressure and improved circulation

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