1.1.2 - SAV

Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA:V)

The relationship between the surface area of a cell and its volume, crucial for understanding cellular efficiency and function.

Why are cells small?

Cells are small to maintain a higher surface area to volume ratio, allowing for efficient nutrient exchange and cellular processes.

Diffusion

The random movement of substances across the plasma membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within a cell, including regulation of temperature, pH, and ion concentration.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a defined nucleus and organelles, typically smaller and simpler, examples include bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a defined nucleus and organelles, generally larger and more complex, examples include plant and animal cells.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that are responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing energy via cellular respiration.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Facilitated Diffusion

The process of passive transport of molecules across the cell membrane through protein channels.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct functions necessary for cell life.

Plasma Membrane

The flexible barrier around the cell that controls the movement of substances in and out.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Larger Cells and SA:V Ratio

As cells increase in size, their volume grows faster than their surface area, leading to a lower SA:V ratio.

Villi

Finger-like projections that increase surface area for absorption in the intestines.

Cell Size Limitation

The concept that cell size is restricted by the need to maintain an adequate surface area to volume ratio for efficient function.