In emphysema the walls between neighbouring alveoli break down, so many small alveoli join to form fewer, larger air spaces. The total volume of the lungs does not change. Which statement explains why gas exchange becomes slower?
the total surface area available for diffusion is smaller
the distance the gases must diffuse across is much longer
the concentration gradient across the alveolar wall is steeper
the volume of air reaching the lungs in each breath is smaller
179 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Biology 2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems, covering 2.2.1 The human digestive system, 2.2.2 The heart and blood vessels, 2.2.3 Blood, 2.2.4 Coronary heart disease: a non-communicable disease, 2.2.5 Health issues, 2.2.6 The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases, and 2.2.7 Cancer. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.