Background: You are working as an intern in a small biotechnology company that i
ID: 178016 • Letter: B
Question
Background:You are working as an intern in a small biotechnology company that is trying to develop genetic engineering approaches to improve the ability of humans to swim under water without SCUBA equipment or other sources of oxygen. As a physiologist, you realize that this problem has already been solved by marine mammals and birds who are able to function under water for extended periods of time. You decide to do some background research on diving mammals and birds and prepare a list of possible strategies to present at the next research staff meeting.
Question:State two possible strategies for enhancing the ability of humans to function under water without access to additional oxygen and briefly discuss why you think each strategy would be effective.
Explanation / Answer
1: Since oxygen is sparse underwater, increased oxygen use efficiency can be advantageous. This can be achieved by inreased RBC count of blood as well as increased myoglobin in the muscle tissue. Hemoglobin of RBCs and myoglobin serve as oxygen carriers and hence, the increased concentration of these proteins would impart oxygen use efficiency to human deep in ocean.
2: Ability of lung collapse and reflate frequently as natural action can be other beneficial adaptation as collapsed lungs are heavier than water and would help human to sink effortlessly to the greater depth of oceans without even consuming the stored oxygen which can be then used for coming back to the surface water.
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