Final answer:
Increased thickness of the respiratory membrane will decrease the effectiveness of gas exchange, while an increased number of alveoli will enhance it. An increased difference in partial pressures typically improves gas exchange efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effectiveness of gas exchange across the respiratory membrane will decrease with increased thickness of the respiratory membrane. An increased difference in partial pressures generally increases the effectiveness of gas exchange as it widens the pressure gradient for gases to diffuse. All of these changes will decrease the effectiveness of gas exchange across the respiratory membranes. Increased thickness of the respiratory membrane will slow down the diffusion of gases, making the exchange process less efficient.
Increased difference in partial pressures will affect the pressure gradient that drives the diffusion of gases. Increased number of alveoli may sound like it would enhance gas exchange, but if the other factors are not optimal, it can actually decrease efficiency.However, the effectiveness of gas exchange is indeed enhanced by an increased number of alveoli, as it provides a larger surface area for gas exchange. Therefore, only the increased thickness of the respiratory membrane will decrease the effectiveness of gas exchange.