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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & diversity

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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Some cells in our body are like little factory workers, constantly taking in and sending out substances. To be really good at this, they have special features that help them have a larger surface area compared to their volume. This means they can transport stuff in and out super quickly!

<ul>
	<li>
	Function: Our little oxygen taxis! 🚕 They carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our body.
	</li>
	<li>
	Shape and Size: Ever seen a biconcave disc? That&#39;s them!

	🌎 Real-World Example: Imagine the red blood cell as a pancake (yum!). Pancakes cook faster than dough balls because more of the pancake touches the pan, just like more of the cell is in contact with oxygen!

	<ul>
		<li>Diameter: Only about 8&micro;m (that&#39;s super tiny, like a speck of dust).</li>
		<li>Advantage: Their unique shape gives them more surface area than a sphere, which means oxygen gets in and out super quickly.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>
	Function: Think of them as the recycling centers of our kidneys. 🔄 They take back all the useful stuff from the filtrate (like glucose) and return them to the bloodstream.
	</li>
	<li>
	Location: Outer part of our kidneys, all coiled up!
	</li>
	<li>
	Structure

	💡 Did You Know? Molecules or ions have to pass through both these membranes to be reabsorbed. It&#39;s like a double-check security system!

	<ul>
		<li>Wall: Super thin, only one cell thick.</li>
		<li>Apical Membrane: Inside wall that touches the filtrate.</li>
		<li>Basal Membrane: Outside wall closer to blood vessels.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Special Features

	🌎 Real-World Example: Imagine these cells like a big sponge. The more holes a sponge has, the more water it can soak up. Microvilli and invaginations are like these holes, helping the cell soak up more substances!

	<ul>
		<li>Microvilli: Tiny hair-like projections on the apical membrane. They increase the surface area so more stuff can be reabsorbed.</li>
		<li>Invaginations: Think of these as little in-folds or pockets on the basal membrane, increasing its surface area.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Channel and Pump Proteins: These are like little security guards 🕶️. They ensure only the stuff the body needs is taken back from the filtrate, and the wastes (like urea) are left behind.
	</li>
</ul>

Cells that need to transport a lot of substances have adapted in special ways to increase their efficiency. Whether it&#39;s the unique shape of our red blood cells or the sponge-like features of our kidney cells, our body is full of fascinating, well-adapted structures! 🚀🔬🌱

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Happy Studying! 📚💡🔍

Key Cellular Adaptations For Efficient Substance Exchange

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Higher Level

Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Key Cellular Adaptations For Efficient Substance Exchange

Table of content

What's the big idea? 🤔

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) 🔴

Unlock the Full Content!

Theme B - Form & Function

Key Cellular Adaptations For Efficient Substance Exchange

Table of content

What's the big idea? 🤔

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) 🔴

Unlock the Full Content!