Final answer:
Examples of specialized cells and tissues for gas exchange include alveolar cells of the lungs and red blood cells. Alveolar cells are thin and create a vast surface area for the diffusion of gases, while red blood cells are shaped to carry and distribute oxygen efficiently.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two examples of cells and tissues that are specialized for gas and material exchanges and therefore increase their surface area to optimize their material transfer are (b) Alveolar cells and (c) Red blood cells. The human lung contains approximately 300 million alveoli. Each alveolus is a small air sac that provides a large surface area for gas exchange. The walls of the alveoli are only one cell thick and are closely associated with capillary networks, allowing for rapid diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Red blood cells within these capillaries can efficiently pick up oxygen and release carbon dioxide due to their biconcave shape, which also increases their surface area. These anatomical features collectively facilitate a sufficient exchange of gases to support the needs of the body.
Alveolar cells, or pneumocytes, come in two types: type I and type II. Type I alveolar cells form the structure of the alveolar walls and are extremely thin to allow gases to easily diffuse through them. Type II alveolar cells secrete pulmonary surfactant to decrease surface tension and prevent the alveoli from collapsing. Meanwhile, red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen, enhancing oxygen transport throughout the body.