Name the property of gases that help aquatic plants and animals to sur...
Introduction:
One of the essential properties of gases that help aquatic plants and animals to survive in water is the process of gas exchange. Gas exchange refers to the movement of gases between an organism and its environment. In water, there are specific gases that are vital for the survival of aquatic organisms.
The Property of Gases - Solubility:
The property of gases that plays a crucial role in the survival of aquatic plants and animals is their solubility in water. Solubility refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a particular solvent, in this case, water. The solubility of gases determines their availability for exchange between the aquatic environment and the organisms.
Oxygen:
Oxygen is the most critical gas for the survival of aquatic plants and animals. It is necessary for cellular respiration, the process by which organisms convert oxygen and organic molecules into energy. Oxygen dissolves in water, and its solubility is influenced by factors such as temperature and pressure. Aquatic organisms extract dissolved oxygen from water through various mechanisms:
- Diffusion: Oxygen molecules diffuse from areas of higher concentration (water) to areas of lower concentration (organisms' respiratory surfaces). This passive process allows oxygen to reach the cells of aquatic organisms.
- Gills and Lungs: Aquatic animals such as fish have specialized respiratory organs called gills, which are efficient in extracting oxygen from water. Gills provide a large surface area for gas exchange. Similarly, some aquatic insects and amphibians have lungs that absorb oxygen from the water.
Carbon Dioxide:
Carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product during cellular respiration. Its removal from the organisms' bodies is necessary to maintain proper physiological functions. Carbon dioxide also dissolves in water, and its solubility allows for its exchange between aquatic organisms and the environment.
- Diffusion: Similarly to oxygen, carbon dioxide diffuses from organisms' higher concentration to the lower concentration in water.
- Bicarbonate Formation: Aquatic plants can also utilize carbon dioxide dissolved in water to carry out photosynthesis. They convert carbon dioxide into bicarbonate ions, which can be used as a carbon source for growth and development.
Conclusion:
The solubility of gases, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide, plays a critical role in the survival of aquatic plants and animals. Through mechanisms such as diffusion and specialized respiratory organs, aquatic organisms are able to extract oxygen from the water and remove carbon dioxide waste. These processes are essential for their energy production, growth, and overall physiological functioning in an aquatic environment.
Name the property of gases that help aquatic plants and animals to sur...
The property of gases which helps aquatic animals and plant to breath is the diffusion of gases in liquid.
The gases such as Oxygen and Carbondioxide diffuse in water and allow the life of aquatic plants and animals.
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