The rate of oxygen uptake by gills depends on the surface area, the number, and the thickness of the lamellae across which
oxygen must diffuse. What are two ways to increase the rate of oxygen uptake?
Consider which of the following has a better efficiency in extracting oxygen?
1. larger/smaller surface area
2. more/less lamellae
3. thicker/thinner lamellae
To increase the rate of oxygen uptake by gills, there are two main strategies that can be employed:
1. Increase the surface area of the gills: One way to increase the rate of oxygen uptake is to increase the surface area available for oxygen diffusion. This can be achieved by having more gill filaments or by increasing the complexity and branching of the gill lamellae. By increasing the surface area, more oxygen can come into contact with the respiratory surface, allowing for a higher rate of diffusion and uptake.
2. Decrease the thickness of the lamellae: Another way to enhance the rate of oxygen uptake is by reducing the thickness of the gill lamellae. The lamellae are thin layers of tissue where oxygen exchange takes place. By minimizing their thickness, the distance over which oxygen needs to diffuse is reduced, enabling a faster oxygen uptake. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as having thin walls of the gill filaments or by having closely spaced lamellae to reduce the diffusion distance.
By employing these strategies, organisms can maximize the efficiency of oxygen uptake in aquatic environments where gills are the primary mode of respiration.