Chapter 9: Gas Exchange and smoking

WORKSHEET

I. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. How many layers of cell surface membrane separate an oxygen molecule in the air space of an
alveolus from the nearest haemoglobin molecule?
A. 2 D. 5
B. 3 E. 6
C. 4

2. What is a correct description of part of the respiratory system?

part of cartilage ciliated goblet cells smooth muscle
respiratory present epithelium present present
system present
A alveolus X ✔ X X
B bronchus ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
C bronchiole X ✔ ✔ X
D trachea ✔ ✔ ✔ X
E larynx ✔ X X X

3. What identifies the structures present in a bronchus?

4. What would be seen in a photomicrograph of the wall of the trachea?

tissue
elastic fibres epidermis smooth muscle
A ✔ ✔ ✔
B ✔ ✔ X Key:
C X X ✔
✔= present
D X ✔ X
E ✔ X ✔ X = absent

5. Which tissues are present in a bronchus?

cartilage ciliated epithelium smooth muscle
A ✔ ✔ ✔
B ✔ ✔ X
C ✔ X ✔
D X ✔ ✔
E X ✔ X

6. The photomicrograph shows a section through part of a bronchus wall.

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 What is the function of the tissue labelled X?
A. contracts to constrict the airway
B. helps to widen the airway after an allergic reaction
C. produces mucus to trap dust particles and bacteria
D. to vibrate and produce sound
E. supports the airway to prevent collapse

7. What can be observed about some of the tissues in a transverse section of a mammalian trachea?
epithelium goblet cells cartilage
A ciliated present in blocks
B ciliated present in C-shaped rings
C non-ciliated absent in blocks
D non-ciliated absent in C-shaped rings
E ciliated absent in C-shaped rings

8. The diagram shows a section through a type of epithelium.

Where is this type of epithelium found in the respiratory system?

9. The diagram shows a magnified section of part of the lungs containing specialised tissues.

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 Which row is correct for structures labelled 1 to 6?
contains high proportion of
carbonic anhydrase HCO3- ions lysosomes
A 1 3 4
B 2 4 5
C 3 5 6
D 4 6 1
E 5 3 1

10. The diagram shows three features found in tissues of the gas exchange system.

Which tubes of the gas exchange system could be represented at position P in the diagram?
bronchus brochiole trachea
A ✔ ✔ ✔
B ✔ ✔ X
C ✔ X ✔ Key:
D X ✔ ✔ ✔= yes
E X ✔ X
X = no
11. Which of the following is NOT a role of elastic fibres in the gas exchange system?
A. Contract to decrease the volume of the alveoli during expiration.
B. Recoil to force air out of the alveoli during expiration
C. Stretch to accommodate more air in the alveoli during deep breathing
D. Stretch to increase the surface area of the alveoli for gas exchange.
E. None of the above

12. Which tissues are present in the walls of a trachea and an alveolus?

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13. Which parts of the human gas exchange system may typically contain macrophages?

14. The following structures are found in the walls of the gas exchange system.
1. capillaries
2. cilia
3. elastic fibres
4. goblet cells
5. smooth muscle cells
Which would be found in the lining of an alveolus?
A. 1 and 3 D. 4 and 5
B. 1, 2 and 3 E. 2, 3 and 4
C. 2 and 5

15. Which row shows a correct location of cartilage and smooth muscle in the human gas exchange
system?
cartilage smooth muscle
A respiratory bronchioles terminal bronchioles
B respiratory bronchioles trachea
C trachea bronchi
D trachea respiratory bronchioles
E terminal bronchioles respiratory bronchioles

16. What are the approximate diameters of a trachea, an alveolus, a bronchiole and a bronchus?
trachea / mm alveolus / mm bronchiole / mm bronchus / mm
A 18 0.25 0.50 12
B 18 0.50 0.25 12
C 12 0.25 0.50 18
D 12 0.50 0.25 18
E 18 0.50 0.50 18

17. The diagram shows three features found in the tissues of the gas exchange system.

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 Which structures of the gas exchange system could be represented at position X and at position Y in
the diagram?
1. bronchiole
2. trachea
3. bronchus
X Y
A 1 2 and 3
B 1 and 3 2
C 2 1 and 3
D 2 and 3 1
E 1 and 2 3

18. Which statement about typical bronchioles is correct?

A. They have cartilage and ciliated cells. D. They have smooth muscle and ciliated cells.
B. They have goblet cells and smooth muscle. E. They have cartilage and elastic fibres.
C. They have smooth muscle and cartilage

19. Which features are important for the diffusion of oxygen out of an alveolus?

A. 1, 2 and 3 D. 2 and 4 only

B. 1, 3 and 4 E. 4 only
C. 1 and 3 only

20. The surface tension of the layer of liquid lining the alveoli tends to pull the walls inwards so alveoli
could collapse.

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 Which statements could explain how this is prevented?
1. Alveolar fluid is moved around by cilia.
2. Elastic fibres keep the alveoli open.
3. Epithelial cells secrete a chemical that reduces the cohesion in water.
A. 1 and 2 D. 3 only
B. 1 and 3 E. 2 only
C. 2 and 3

21. How would health improve if a person suffering from mild emphysema stopped smoking cigarettes?
A. goblet cells secrete more mucus, allowing a greater number of pathogens to be trapped
B. increased numbers of phagocytic macrophages arrive in the lungs
C. less atheroma build-up on the inner lining of arteries, increasing lumen diameter
D. less carboxyhaemoglobin produced, increasing oxygen transport by haemoglobin
E. more carboxyhaemoglobin produced, increasing carbon dioxide transport by haemoglobin

22. A student was asked to describe the differences between four microscope slides of sections taken
from different parts of the gas exchange system.
slide 1 not present: cartilage, glands present: few goblet cells, ciliated epithelial cells,
smooth muscle
slide 2 present: incomplete cartilage rings, glands, goblet cells, ciliated epithelial cells,
smooth muscle
slide 3 not present: cartilage, glands, goblet cells, smooth muscle present: squamous
epithelial cells
slide 4 present: plates of cartilage, glands, goblet cells, ciliated epithelial cells, smooth
muscle
Which is the correct identification of the parts of the gas exchange system?

slide 1 slide 2 slide 3 slide 4

A alveolus bronchiole bronchus trachea
B bronchiole bronchus alveolus trachea
C bronchiole trachea alveolus bronchus
D bronchus trachea bronchiole alveolus
E trachea bronchiole alveolus bronchus

23. The diagram shows a spirometer trace with tidal volume and vital capacity.

What happens to the volumes labelled X and Y during moderate exercise?

volume X volume Y
A no change no change
B increases decreases
C decreases increases
D increases increases
E decreases decreases
24. Which row about the human gas exchange system is correct?

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25. A person suffering from mild emphysema stopped smoking cigarettes.
Why would this person’s health improve?
A. goblet cells secrete more mucus, allowing a greater number of pathogens to be trapped
B. increased numbers of phagocytic macrophages arrive in the lungs
C. less atheroma build-up on the inner lining of arteries, increasing lumen diameter
D. less carboxyhaemoglobin produced, increasing oxygen transport by haemoglobin
E. all of the above

26. Which could lead to chronic bronchitis?

A. deposition of allergens in airways causing smooth muscles to contract
B. excessive secretion and accumulation of mucus and destruction of many cilia in the airways
C. infection of airways leading to phagocytes destroying the elastin in the alveoli
D. mutation in epithelial cells in airways caused by inhaled chemicals
E. all of the above

27. Which statements about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are correct?
1. The patient coughs a lot, bringing up mucus.
2. The patient’s symptoms normally do not change.
3. The patient is normally over 30 years old.
4. The disease can often be reversed by treatment.
A. 1, 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
B. 1, 2 and 4 only E. 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only

28. The diagram represents a section through the wall of a bronchus (not to scale).

In a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), what happens in each of the
numbered structures?
1 2 3 4
A contracts contracts inhibited not affected
B contracts not affected overactive inhibited
C relaxes contracts inhibited paralysed
D relaxes not affected overactive overactive
E inhibited overactive not affected contracts

29. When a person suffers an asthma attack, the tubes of the gas exchange system narrow and extra
mucus is produced.

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 Which of these changes occur during an asthma attack?
1. Activity of ciliated epithelium increases.
2. Endocytosis in goblet cells increases.
3. Smooth muscles respire faster.
A. 1 and 2 only D. 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only E. 1, 2 and 3
C. 2 and 3 only

30. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), airflow through the airways is reduced.
Which statements explain the reduced airflow?
1. More mucus is secreted into the airways.
2. Airways and alveoli lose their elasticity.
3. Many of the alveoli are destroyed.
4. Carbon monoxide binds irreversibly to haemoglobin.
A. 1, 2, 3 and 4 D. 2, 3 and 4 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only E. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only

31. The first diagram shows a spirometer, which is an apparatus used to measure changes in lung
volume. The cover rises during exhalation and falls during inhalation, producing a trace on the
rotating drum. The second diagram shows a typical trace from a spirometer.

Which would give the vital capacity?

A. X + Y D. X – Y + Z
B. X – Y E. X – Y – Z
C. X + Y + Z

32. Which effects does emphysema have?

1. surface area to volume ratio of lungs decreases

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 2. distance of the diffusion pathway increases
3. volume of oxygen diffused per unit time decreases
A. 1, 2 and 3 D. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only E. 1 only
C. 1 and 3 only

33. What correctly describes the cause and effect of carcinogens on lung tissue?
A. Cells of the alveoli walls divide more rapidly than normal by reduction division causing a tumour
to develop
B. Cilia are paralysed, mucus accumulates in the lungs, causing DNA to change, reduction division
and a tumour develop
C. DNA changes, causing bronchial epithelial cells to divide in an uncontrolled way by mitosis and a
tumour to develop.
D. Haemoglobin carries less oxygen, causing bronchial cells to divide in an uncontrolled way by
mitosis and a tumour to develop.
E. All of the above

34. What correctly describes the effect of carcinogens on lung tissue that causes a tumour to develop?
A. Cells in damaged alveoli walls divide more rapidly to replace damaged areas.
B. Cilia are paralysed and mucus accumulates in the lungs causing DNA to change.
C. DNA changes, causing bronchial epithelial cells to divide by mitosis in an uncontrolled way.
D. Haemoglobin carries less oxygen, causing bronchial cells to divide by mitosis in an uncontrolled
way.
E. None of the above

35. Between 1954 and 1958 many doctors read a report that linked smoking cigarettes to deaths from
lung cancer.
The graph shows deaths from lung cancer among male doctors and ‘all other men’ in England and
Wales between 1954 and 1962.

Which statements best explain the changes in deaths from lung cancer between 1954 and 1962?
1. ‘All other men’ are more at risk of dying from lung cancer then male doctors.
2. Male doctors are more at risk of dying from lung cancer than ‘all other men’.
3. Proportionally more ‘all other men’ gave up smoking than male doctors.
4. Proportionally more male doctors gave up smoking cigarettes than ‘all other men’.
A. 1 and 3 D. 1 and 4
B. 2 and 3 E. 1 and 2
C. 2 and 4

36. Which substance in tobacco smoke decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of haemoglobin?
A. carbon dioxide D. carbon monoxide

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 B. icnotine E. none of the above
C. tar

37. Some studies suggest that smoking increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The two graphs
show the percentage of smokers and the deaths from lung cancer in men of two age groups between
1950 and 1998.

Which statement is NOT supported by the data in the graphs?

A. Deaths from lung cancer in men aged 35-59 years decreased by 50 % over the period of the
study.
B. Deaths from lung cancer in men aged 60-74 years increased up to 1970.
C. The data for men aged 60-74 years between 1950 to 1970 suggests that lung cancer takes up to
20 years to develop.
D. The number of men aged 35-59 years who were smokers decreased by approximately 60% over
the period of the study.
E. Deaths from lung cancer in men aged 35-59 years increased by 50 % over the period of the study

38. Which of the following substances in tobacco smoke damage the gas exchange system?
A. carbon monoxide and carcinogens D. nicotine and tar
B. carbon monoxide and nicotine E. carcinogens and tar
C. tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide

39. The symptoms of two diseases are listed.

Which row identifies diseases 1 and 2?

disease 1 disease 2
A chronic bronchitis emphysema
B emphysema lung cancer
C lung cancer chronic bronchitis
D lung cancer emphysema
E emphysema chronic bronchitis

40. Which row correctly identifies the effects of carbon monoxide, nicotine and tar?
effect

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 raises blood pressure causes gene mutation raises oxygenation of blood
A carbon monoxide nicotine tar
B nicotine nicotine carbon monoxide
C nicotine tar carbon monoxide
D tar carbon monoxide nicotine
E tar nicotine carbon monoxide

41. The diagram shows some of the effects of nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke.

Which row is correct?

42. Which row correctly describes the short-term effects of carbon monoxide and nicotine on the body of
a smoker?
demand for oxygen concentration of oxygen in blood
A decreased by carbon monoxide increased by nicotine
B decreased by nicotine increased by carbon monoxide
C increased by carbon monoxide decreased by nicotine
D increased by nicotine decreased by carbon monoxide
E decreased by carbon monoxide decreased by nicotine

43. What could occur as a result of inhaling the nicotine in tobacco smoke?
A. cilia lining the respiratory tract are paralysed, causing an increase in the secretion of mucus from
enlarged goblet cells
B. diffusion into blood capillaries followed by the release of adrenaline, which increases blood
pressure and heart rate
C. diffusion into the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of mutation and acting
as a potential carcinogen
D. dissolves in the lining of the alveoli, causing a breakdown in the alveolar walls and a decrease in
surface area for gas exchange
E. none of the above

44. The photomicrographs show transverse sections of arteries from a non-smoker and a smoker.

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 From the evidence above, which disease is most likely to occur in the smoker?
A. cardiovascular disease D. lung cancer
B. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) E. none of the above
C. emphysema and chronic bronchitis

45. The graph shows the results of a study to determine whether there is a link between the number of
cigarettes smoked by a mother and the birth weight of her baby.

Which conclusions can be drawn from this graph?

1. As the number of cigarettes smoked increases, the weight of the baby always
decreases.
2. Factors, other than smoking, affect the birth weight of a baby.
3. Nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide slow the growth of an unborn baby.
4. The majority of all smokers smoke between 10 and 35 cigarettes per day.
A. 1, 2 and 3 D. 3 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 E. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 only

46. A person inhales minute particles from a very dusty environment.

Which effect will this have on B-lymphocytes and goblet cells?
B-lymphocytes goblet cells
A less active less active
B less active more active
C more active less active
D more active more active
E no effect no effect

47. Which flow diagram correctly describes the effect of tar entering the lungs?

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II. SHORT-ANSWERED QUESTIONS
48. Fig. 1.1 is an electron micrograph of cells from the ciliated epithelium of the trachea.

a) Explain how the cells labelled A and the structures labelled B in Fig. 1.1 protect the lining of the
trachea.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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49. Fig. 2.1 is a section of an alveolus and surrounding tissue.

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 a) Describe the role of elastic fibres in the wall of the alveolus.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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b) With reference to Fig. 2.1, explain how alveoli are adapted for gas exchange.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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c) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that develops in many
smokers. COPD refers to two conditions:
 Chronic bronchitis
 Emphysema
I. State two ways in which the lung tissue of someone with emphysema differs from the
lung tissue of someone with healthy lungs.
1. …………………………………………………………………………………………….…….
2. ………………………………………………………………………………………………..[2]

II. State two symptoms of emphysema.

1. …………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. …………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………[2]

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50. Some components of tobacco smoke are absorbed into the blood stream and affect the
cardiovascular system.
Describe the effects of nicotine and carbon monoxide on the cardiovascular system.

nicotine……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………
………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
carbon monoxide………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...[4]

51. Fig. 1.1 is a drawing made from an electron micrograph of a cell from the ciliated epithelium of the
bronchus.

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 a) Complete the table below by writing the appropriate letter from Fig. 1.1 to indicate the structure
that carries out each of the functions listed. The first one has been completed for you.
function structure
facilitated diffusion of glucose B
creates a current to move mucus
aerobic respiration
makes ribosomes
a site of transcription
packages proteins into lysosomes
[5]
b) The alveoli in the lungs are lined by a squamous epithelium.
Explain why gas exchange occurs in alveoli and not in the bronchus.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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c) Describe the likely appearance of the lining of the bronchus in a person who has been a heavy
smoker for many years.
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52. Scientists at the Tibet Institute of Medical Sciences in Lhasa investigated differences between adult
Tibetans who had lived in Lhasa (altitude 3658 m) all their lives and adult Han Chinese residents who
had lived there for about 8 years. The Tibetans and the Han Chinese exercised at maximum effort
and various aspects of their breathing were measured.
Some of the results are shown in Table 4.1.

 Minute volume. This is the volume of air breathed in during one minute.
 Oxygen uptake. This is the volume of oxygen absorbed into the blood during one minute. It is
expressed per kg of body mass.

The researchers observed that

 the greater minute volume of the native Tibetans resulted from a greater tidal volume
 the tidal volumes of the Tibetans showed a positive correlation with their vital capacity
measurements
 the Han Chinese had lower values for both tidal volume and vital capacity.

a) State what is meant by the term tidal volume.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………......….[1]

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 b) Suggest why the researchers also measured the vital capacity of the people in the study.
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c) Explain how the minute volume at rest would be determined.

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d) Suggest two differences in the structure of the lungs that may account for the greater oxygen
uptake by the Tibetans shown in Table 4.1.
1. ………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. ………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………….……………...…..…[2]

e) When people who have lived all their lives at low altitude go to a place at high altitude, such as
Lhasa, they are often breathless, lack energy and suffer from altitude sickness.
However, with time, they often acclimatise to the high altitude.

In another study, researchers found that the red blood cell count increases in such people by
about 30% over several weeks.

Explain why the red blood cell count increases so much when people visit places at high altitude.
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53. People who have smoked cigarettes for many years are at risk of developing lung cancer.
Describe how cigarette smoke is responsible for the development of lung cancer.
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54. Fig. 6.2 shows the change in the percentage of smokers in the male population of the UK between
1950 and 2005.
Fig. 6.3 shows the change in mortality rate in the UK in men aged 75 to 84 between 1950 and 2005.

Fig. 6.2 and Fig. 6.3 appear to show that there is no link between the percentage of the population
that smoke and the death rate from lung cancer.

Explain why the mortality rate from lung cancer among men increased and then decreased over the
period shown in Fig. 6.3, even though the percentage of smokers decreased over the same period of
time.
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55. Fig. 5.1 is a diagram of part of the human gas exchange system.

a) Complete the table to show the distribution of the structural features within the parts of the gas
exchange system, A to D, shown in Fig. 5.1.
Use a tick (✓) if the feature is present and a cross (✗) if the feature is absent. Some of the boxes
have been completed for you.

[4]

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 b) Explain the role of goblet cells and cilia in the maintenance of a healthy gas exchange system.
goblet cells …………………………………………………………………………………………………...
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cilia ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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………………………………………………………………….............................................................[4]

56. Various structures in the human gas exchange system are adapted in different ways to perform their
specific functions.
a) Complete the table below using a tick (✓) or cross (✗) in each box to show whether or not the
structure shows the particular feature.
Two boxes have been completed for you.

[4]

b) State the two ways in which the concentration gradients of oxygen and carbon dioxide are
maintained for efficient gas exchange.
1. ……………………………………………………………………………..……………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………
………..…………………………………………………………………..…………………………....[2]

c) The alveoli in the lungs have elastic fibres in their walls.

i. State one function of the elastic fibres.
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………………………………………………………………………………….........................[1]

ii. Name the medical condition caused by breakdown of the elastic fibres.
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d) Cigarette smoke contains tar, a substance which has several harmful effects on the cells lining
the gas exchange system.
Outline three of these effects.
1. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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2. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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3. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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57. Suggest why a person with chronic bronchitis is more likely than a healthy person to suffer from
infectious diseases of the gas exchange system.
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...[2]

58. Describe the appearance of a section through the wall of a bronchus in a person with chronic
bronchitis.
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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...[3]

59. Cigarette smoke contains tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide. Tar contains carcinogens.
a) Describe the effect of tar on the lining of the bronchi in the lungs.
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b) Describe the effects of nicotine and carbon monoxide on the cardiovascular system.
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60.
a) The alveolus is the gas exchange surface in mammals. For efficient oxygen uptake, a steep
diffusion gradient is maintained between the alveolar air and the blood.
Suggest how the steep diffusion gradient for oxygen is maintained at the gas exchange surface.

b) Compared to when they were non-smokers, the ability of people who smoke tobacco to deliver
oxygen to their body tissues is reduced. Two causes of this reduction include:
 a decrease in the volume of air per breath moving towards the alveoli
 a decrease in the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen.

i. Suggest one reason why smoking tobacco, even after only a short time, may cause a
decrease in the volume of air per breath moving towards the alveoli.

WS AS/A Level Biology 10: Gaseous Exchange and Smoking (RV) 21

 ii. Explain why smoking tobacco causes a decrease in the ability of red blood cells to carry
oxygen.

61. People who smoke tobacco are at an increased risk of developing non-infectious diseases of the gas
exchange system and the cardiovascular system.
In 2004, a study was carried out on the most popular brands of filter cigarettes from each of the six
World Health Organization (WHO) regions.
In this study, the smoke passing through the filter was analysed for the tar, nicotine and carbon
monoxide (CO) content for each brand of cigarette. For each WHO region, the mean content of tar,
nicotine and carbon monoxide of the different brands of cigarette was calculated.
The results are shown in Fig. 2.1.

WS AS/A Level Biology 10: Gaseous Exchange and Smoking (RV) 22

62. The composition of alveolar air remains fairly constant even though gases are exchanged with the
blood in the capillaries that surround the alveoli.
a) Describe the process of gas exchange between alveolar air and blood. [4]

b) Explain why the composition of alveolar air remains fairly constant. [3]

WS AS/A Level Biology 10: Gaseous Exchange and Smoking (RV) 23

 c) Suggest three ways in which the gas exchange system responds to the demands of exercise.
[3]

d) Describe how the alveoli are protected against infection. [5]

……….end of paper……….

WS AS/A Level Biology 10: Gaseous Exchange and Smoking (RV) 24