Explain how a fish is adapted for gas exchange?

A fish had gills, made up of gill filaments containing lamellae, which provide a very large surface area for oxygen to diffuse out of the water as it moves over them. The blood vessels are in very close proximity to the lamellae, allowing a short diffusion pathway. A fish also utilises a countercurrent system, where the blood flows in the opposite direction to the water across the gills. This allows a concentration gradient to be maintained, so oxygen moves into the blood along the entire length of the gill.

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why someone who has a high blood pressure is at a significantly higher risk of developing CVD


What are the differences between facilitated diffusion and active transport?


Describe the process of translation in protein synthesis


What role does the heart play in the circulation of blood around the body?