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Mechanisms for transport of large
quantities of O2 and CO2
Gases diffuse down pressure gradients
Fick’s law of diffusion
Depends on differences in partial pressure of gases
Respiratory pigments transport gases in blood
Overcome the low solubility of gases in blood
(blue pigment that carries oxygen around)
Haemocyanin – arthropods, molluscs
Haemoglobin – many invertebrates, all vertebrates
Increase FROM 4.5 mL dissolved O2 / L blood
TO 200 mL O2 carried by respiratory pigments / L of
eg haemoglobin
blood in mammals
NOTE: use 2 L O2 per minute during intense exercise
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