Question

The partial pressure of oxygen at a particular point in the bloodstream is 100 mm Hg. Under what circumstance will there be a net diffusion of oxygen from the water into the bloodstream at this location?a. There will be a net diffusion of oxygen from the water into the bloodstream regardless of the partial pressure of oxygen in the wate b. There will be a net diffusion of oxygen from the water into the bloodstream only if the partial pressure of oxygen in the water is equal to 100 mm Hg. c. There will be a net diffusion of oxygen from the water into the bloodstream only if the partial pressure of oxygen in the water is greater than 100 mm Hg d. There will be a net diffusion of oxygen from the water into the bloodstream only if the partial pressure of oxygen in the water is less than 100 mm Hg.

Answer 1

c. There will be a net diffusion of oxygen from the water into the bloodstream only if the partial pressure of oxygen in the water is greater than 100 mm Hg

Step-by-step explanation:

Diffusion involves the movement of molecules from the region of higher concentration to the region of lower concentration. If the molecules are gas molecules, they will diffuse from the region of higher pressure to the region of lower pressure.

Hence, for net diffusion to occur from the water to the bloodstream, the partial pressure of oxygen in water must be higher than the partial pressure of oxygen in the bloodstream.

Since the partial pressure of oxygen in the bloodstream is 100 mm Hg, then the partial pressure of the gas in water must be more than 100 mm Hg in order for net diffusion to occur from water to the bloodstream.