cell size vocab- green

surface area to volume ratio

the ratio of the surface area of a cell to its volume. as cells increase in size, the surface area to volume ratio decreases, affecting the efficiency of nutrient exchange and waste removal

diffusion

the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. efficient diffusion is critical for cell function, and it's influenced by the cell's size and surface area

transport efficiency

the ability of a cell to move materials across the membrane toward the interior

cell membrane

the thin, flexible barrier around the cell that regulates what enters and exits. the surface area of the cell membrane affects the rate of material exchange

metabolic demand

the total energy and resource needs of a cell. larger cells typically have higher metabolic demands, which can be challenging to meet if the surface area is insufficient for nutrient uptake

microvilli

small finger-like projections from the surface of cells that increase the surface area for absorption or secretion. these structures are common in cells that need to maximize surface area without increasing cell size

s-a/v ratio

abbreviation for surface area to volume ratio. a crucial factor in determining how efficiently a cell can exchange materials with its environment

infoldings

the inward folding of the cell membrane or plasma membrane . they increase the surface area of the membrane without increasing the cell's overall size, aiding in processes like nutrient absorption or energy production in cells like those in the mitochondria.