Why is diffusion insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multicellular organisms like humans?

Question

Answer

Multicellular organisms such as humans possess complex body designs. They have specialised cells and tissues for performing various necessary functions of the body such as intake of food and oxygen. Unlike unicellular organisms, multicellular cells are not in direct contact with the outside environment. Therefore, diffusion cannot meet their oxygen requirements.

Answer

Human beings are multicellular organisms having a complex body structure. The oxygen requirement in multicellular organisms cannot be met by diffusion because-
1) Diffusion is a slow process.

2) In multicellular organisms, the cells are not in direct contact with the outside environment as in unicellular organisms.

Therefore, in human beings, there are specialized tissues and organs that help to meet the oxygen requirements of the body

Answer

Diffusion and Oxygen Requirements of Multicellular Organisms

Diffusion is a process of movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In multicellular organisms, diffusion occurs in various processes such as the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products. However, diffusion alone is insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multicellular organisms like humans due to the following reasons:

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

In multicellular organisms, the surface area to volume ratio decreases as the size of the organism increases. This means that the surface area available for diffusion is insufficient to meet the needs of the entire organism.

As the organism becomes larger, the distance between the surface and the interior of the body increases, which requires more energy for diffusion to occur.

Diffusion Distance

Diffusion occurs over short distances because it is a slow process. The distance between the surface and the interior of the body in multicellular organisms is too far for diffusion to be effective.

The thicker the membrane, the slower the diffusion rate. In humans, oxygen has to travel through various layers of tissues and membranes before it reaches the cells that need it.

Oxygen Consumption

Humans have a high oxygen consumption rate due to their active lifestyle and larger body size. This means that diffusion is not able to provide the required amount of oxygen in a short time.

The oxygen demand of the body increases during exercise, and diffusion cannot supply oxygen at the same rate, leading to oxygen deficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, diffusion is insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multicellular organisms like humans due to the surface area to volume ratio, diffusion distance, and oxygen consumption. Therefore, multicellular organisms have developed specialized respiratory systems to transport oxygen to different parts of the body efficiently.

Answer

Diffusion is insufficient to meet the oxygen requirement of multicellular organisms like human because all the cells are not direct contact in environment and diffusion is a slow process. Diffusion is too slow to cover the distance between the gas exchange surface and the sites where the oxygen is required

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