Unit 1, AOS1, Chapter 2C: Cell Size and Shape

Identify the 2 benefits of having small cells

1. Efficient exchange of materials between the intra and extracellular environment

2. Faster intracellular transport of molecules

Identify three features that improve SA:V ration

1. Small size

2. Folds

3. Flattened/elongated/biconcave shape

Provide 3 examples of efficient cells/structures

Examples:

1. Red blood cells

2. The villi and microvilli of the small intestine

3. Elongated bacteria and prokaryotes

4. The folded inner membrane of a mitochondrion

What features might a cell that needs to proritise storage over exchange of materials have?

A rounder shape and lower SA:V ratio, but a larger volume