UNIT 2: SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIO

Importance of SA:V Ratio

the surface area to volume ratio of a cell is critical because as the sa increases, the volume also increases

Which increases faster: SA or V?

the volume increases at a faster rate than surface area as the size of the cell increases, leading to challenges in nutrient uptake and waste removal.

Large Cells

have a lower surface area to volume ratio, making it more difficult for them to efficiently exchange materials with their environment (travels slow)

Small Cells

higher surface area to volume ratio, allowing for more efficient exchange of materials with their environment; cannot hold sufficient materials; heat or nutrients may diffuse too quickly

Compartmentalization

the division of cellular processes into separate membrane-bound regions, allowing for more efficient function and interaction

Compartmentalization in Prokaryotes

isolate functions into cellular areas (lack membrane-bound organelles)

Compartmentalization in Eukaryotes

involves membrane-bound organelles that perform specific functions, promoting efficiency and specialization in cellular activities

How are Mitochondria and Chloroplast related to Prokaryote?

mitochondria and chloroplasts share features with prokaryote, suggesting common ancestry

What do chloroplast and mitochondria both have in common?

contains circular DNA and double membrane, possess ribosomes, and are self-replicating

Endosymbiotic Theory

states that ancestral eukaryotic cell engulfed an ancestral mitochondrion, establishing a mutualistic relationship