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

Question

Which of the following increases the rate of gas exchange?

A SUBRAMANYAM · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Gas exchange and Fick's Law of Diffusion
 **Related Topics**: Respiratory physiology, partial pressure, surface area, diffusion
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of diffusion and factors affecting it.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks which factor increases the rate of gas exchange.
  Options provided are changes in respiratory membrane thickness, surface area, partial pressure difference, and blood flow.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understand Fick's Law of Diffusion:
  Reasoning: Fick's Law describes the rate of diffusion across a membrane.  It states that the rate of diffusion is directly proportional to the surface area and the partial pressure difference, and inversely proportional to the thickness of the membrane.
  Formula/Rule: $J = -D \cdot A \cdot \frac{\Delta C}{\Delta x}$ where:
  * J = rate of diffusion
  * D = diffusion coefficient
  * A = surface area
  * ΔC = concentration difference (proportional to partial pressure difference)
  * Δx = membrane thickness
 2. Analyze each option in relation to Fick's Law:
  Working:
  * Option A (Thicker respiratory membrane): Increasing Δx decreases J (rate of diffusion).
  * Option B (Increased surface area): Increasing A increases J (rate of diffusion).
  * Option C (Lower partial pressure difference): Decreasing ΔC decreases J (rate of diffusion).
  * Option D (Decreased blood flow): While blood flow is crucial for gas exchange, it's not directly part of Fick's Law. Decreased blood flow reduces the rate of removal of gases from the alveoli, thus slowing down gas exchange. 
  Key Point: Fick's Law highlights the direct relationship between surface area and diffusion rate and the inverse relationship between membrane thickness and diffusion rate.
 3. Identify the correct option:
  Result: Increased surface area (Option B) is the only factor that directly increases the rate of gas exchange according to Fick's Law.
  Verification:  A larger surface area provides more space for gas exchange to occur, leading to a faster rate.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Thicker respiratory membrane increases the distance gases must travel, thus decreasing the rate of gas exchange.
B ✓: Increased surface area directly increases the rate of gas exchange as per Fick's Law.
C :x: A lower partial pressure difference means a smaller driving force for diffusion, reducing the rate of gas exchange.
D :x: Decreased blood flow reduces the removal of gases from the alveoli, hindering the overall gas exchange process.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing direct and inverse relationships in Fick's Law: Remember that surface area is directly proportional and membrane thickness is inversely proportional to diffusion rate.
  2.Ignoring the role of partial pressure difference: The driving force for gas exchange is the difference in partial pressures between the alveoli and the blood.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Visualize the respiratory membrane: Imagine a larger surface area allowing more gases to cross simultaneously.
  2.Remember Fick's Law: It's a fundamental principle governing diffusion and gas exchange.

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

Thicker respiratory membrane

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

The correct Option is "Increased surface area"

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

Lower partial pressure difference

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

Decreased blood flow

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