The exchange of gases in the alveoli of the lungs takes place bySelect an answerASimple diffusionBOsmosisCPassive transportDActive transport

Breakdown the Problem

1. Identify the process of gas exchange in the alveoli of the lungs.
2. Evaluate the possible options: Simple diffusion, Osmosis, Passive transport, and Active transport.

Relevant Concepts

1. Simple Diffusion: The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration without the use of energy.
2. Osmosis: The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane.
3. Passive Transport: Movement of substances across a membrane without the need for energy (includes simple diffusion).
4. Active Transport: The movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input.

Analysis and Detail

1. In the lungs, oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the air in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries.
2. This exchange occurs due to the concentration gradient between the two areas.
3. Oxygen is present in higher concentrations in the alveoli compared to the blood, while carbon dioxide is present in higher concentrations in the blood compared to the alveoli.

Verify and Summarize

• Given that gas exchange relies on moving from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration without energy usage, the process that best describes this is simple diffusion.
• While passive transport includes simple diffusion, the specific mechanism for gas exchange is simple diffusion.

Final Answer

A. Simple diffusion