Gas exchange in insects

• What is the purpose of the exoskeleton in terrestrial insects?

  To protect and prevent water loss
• What material is the exoskeleton of terrestrial insects made of?

  Chitin
• Why do terrestrial insects not have lungs?

  They have a tracheal system for gas exchange
• What is a major challenge for terrestrial organisms regarding gas exchange?

  Balancing gas exchange with water loss
• What are the three key adaptations insects have to reduce water loss?

  • Small surface area to volume ratio
  • Lipid layer on exoskeleton
  • Spiracles that can open and close
• What is the function of spiracles in insects?

  They allow gas exchange and water evaporation
• How do spiracles help prevent water loss?

  They can open and close to regulate exchange
• What are the three structures within the tracheal system of insects?

  Spiracles, trachea, and tracheoles
• What is the role of trachea in insects?

  To transport gases to all tissues
• How do trachea maintain their structure?

  They have rings to prevent collapsing
• What is the function of tracheoles in the tracheal system?

  To deliver oxygen to respiring cells
• How does gas exchange occur in insects?

  Through simple diffusion and concentration gradients
• What creates the concentration gradient for gas exchange in insects?

  Respiring cells using oxygen and producing CO2
• What happens to muscle cells in insects during flight?

  They switch from aerobic to anaerobic respiration
• What is mass transport in the context of insect gas exchange?

  Muscle contractions moving gases in and out
• What is the effect of lactate production in insect muscle cells?

  It lowers water potential, drawing water in
• How does fluid pressure change facilitate gas exchange?

  It creates a lower pressure in tracheae
• What are the key factors for effective gas exchange in insects?

  • Large surface area from tracheoles
  • Short diffusion distance to spiracles
  • Maintained concentration gradient