How is Gas Actually Exchanged in Plants and Animals?
This post will go through microscopic gas exchange structures in organisms for Prelim Biology.
Microscopic Gas Exchange Structures in Animals
Alveoli are microscopic air-sacs that are clustered across the lungs which exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The main reason why alveoli are necessary is to increase the surface area of the lungs which increase the intake and output of oxygen and carbon dioxide resulting in more efficient respiration.
This video will go through the gas exchange of alveoli.
Microscopic Gas Exchange Structures in Plants
The alveoli equivalent in plants are called stomata. These are small holes that generally line the underside of a leaf, these allow gases to be exchanged with the environment as well as water to be lost through transpiration. The stomata mechanism will be explained in further detail through this video.
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