Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780190209896
Author: Trudy McKee, James R. McKee
Publisher: Oxford University Press
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Chapter 11, Problem 4Q
Summary Introduction
To review:
(a.) The structure of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine.
(b.)The reason for the surfactant in reducing the surface tension considering the general structure of phospholipid.
Introduction:
The dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine is a compound when secreted into the lung alveoli reduces the surface tension. The surface tension is responsible for the elastic property of the liquid. Henc, eipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine is considered as a surface active agent. The surface tension reduction helps the alveolar sac not to collapse.
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Dipal mitoylphosphatidylcholine is the major component of surfactant, or surface active agent (an amphipathic molecule), that is secreted into lung alveoli to reduce the surface tension of the primarily aqueous extracellular fluid of the alveolar epithelia. Alveoli, also referred to as alveolar sacs, are the functional units of respiration. Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across the walls of alveolar sacs, which are one cell thick. The water on alveolar surfaces has a high surface tension because of the attractive forces between the molecules. If the water’s surface tension is not reduced, the alveolar sac tends to collapse, making breathing extremely difficult. If premature infants lack sufficient surfactant, they are likely to die of suffocation. This condition is called respiratory distress syndrome. Draw the structure of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. Considering the general structural features of phospholipids, propose a reason why surfactant is effective in reducing surface…
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The surface area of lungs is reduced. Hence, more oxygen can diffuse into the red blood
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Chapter 11 Solutions
Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life
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- In the science fiction movie, The Abyss, a diver is able to breathe while his head is in a specially prepared liquid pumped into a water-tight helmet attached to a suit, thus allowing him to dive without an air tank and at greater depths than possible for scuba divers. Is this purely fiction, or is it at least theoretically possible? Explain, thinking about the characteristics of alveoli and alveolar gas exchange. Assuming it is possible, describe the characteristics of the liquid in terms of its oxygen pressure and concentration. Has this been successful?arrow_forwardFig. 2.1 shows photomicrographs of lung tissue at the same magnification. One shows healthylung tissue and the other shows lung tissue from a person with COPD. Line AB shows the diameter of one healthy alveolus. Line CD shows the diameter of an area oflung where the alveoli have been destroyed. The real diameter of healthy alveolus is 200 µm.If line AB in the picture is 2 cm, calculate the magnification of the picture...... Magnification: …………………… please solve with step max 15-20 minutes and no reject thank uarrow_forwardDescribe the airway of Emmett who is having an asthma attack. What would be the desired effect of treating this patient with medications such as beta2-agonists and corticosteroids?arrow_forward
- Which statement correctly explains why respiration rate elevates with exercise as compared to at rest. A) oxygen from the blood diffuses into the alveoli for expulsion through exhalation at a faster rate inguinal nodes B) oxygen from the alveoli diffuses into the capillaries for expulsion through exhalation at a faster rate C) carbon dioxide from the alveoli diffuses into the capillaries for expulsion through exhalation at a faster rate D) carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli for expulsion through exhalation at a faster ratearrow_forwardIf it weren't for the body's compensatory mechanisms, which of the following would decrease how well an alveolus is ventilated? Select all that apply. O A constricted bronchiole leading to the alveolus O A dilated bronchiole leading to the alveolus O A longer-than-average bronchiole leading to the alveolus O A shorter-than-average bronchiole leading to the alveolus O The alveolus is smaller than average O The alveolus is larger than averagearrow_forward
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