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BIO NMDCAT Biological Importance of Water
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The high surface tension of water poses a challenge for gas exchange in the alveoli of lungs. This is counteracted by the secretion of

A. Immunoglobulins to prevent infection
B. Surfactant, a phospholipoprotein that reduces surface tension
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C. Mucus to trap foreign particles
D. Carbonic anhydrase to buffer the alveolar fluid

📝 Explanation

The high surface tension of the water-based fluid lining the alveoli would cause their collapse. Type II alveolar cells secrete pulmonary surfactant, a mixture of phospholipids and proteins that intersperses between water molecules, disrupting cohesion and dramatically lowering surface tension.

📖 Additional Information

  • Immunoglobulins to prevent infection
  • Surfactant, a phospholipoprotein that reduces surface tension
  • Mucus to trap foreign particles
  • Carbonic anhydrase to buffer the alveolar fluid

The high surface tension of the water-based fluid lining the alveoli would cause their collapse. Type II alveolar cells secrete pulmonary surfactant, a mixture of phospholipids and proteins that intersperses between water molecules, disrupting cohesion and dramatically lowering surface tension.

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