Cell Size, Surface Area to Volume Ratio, and Exchange Efficiency in Biology

Why does cellular metabolism depend on cell size?

Cell size dictates the efficiency of nutrient intake, waste removal, and thermal energy dissipation.

What happens to a cell's functionality when it becomes too large?

It starts losing functionality and becomes less efficient at regulating what goes in and out through the plasma membrane.

What is the significance of the surface area to volume ratio in cells?

A high surface area to volume ratio optimizes the exchange of materials through the plasma membrane.

What is the formula for calculating the surface area of a cuboidal cell?

Surface area = height × width × number of sides × number of boxes (or 6 × side² for one cube).

What is the formula for calculating the volume of a cuboidal cell?

Volume = height × width × length × number of boxes (or side³ for one cube).

How do you calculate the surface area to volume ratio for cuboidal cells?

Ratio = surface area ÷ volume.

What is the formula for calculating the surface area of a spherical cell?

Surface area = 4πr², where r is the radius.

What is the formula for calculating the volume of a spherical cell?

Volume = (4/3)πr³, where r is the radius.

How do you calculate the surface area to volume ratio for spherical cells?

Ratio = surface area ÷ volume.

What was the surface area to volume ratio for cell one in the cuboidal example?

2

What was the surface area to volume ratio for cell two in the cuboidal example?

6

Which cuboidal cell had the best exchange of material through the plasma membrane?

Cell two, with a ratio of 6.

What does an increase in cell radius indicate about the surface area to volume ratio?

As the radius increases, the ratio decreases, making larger cells less efficient at exchanging materials.

What was the surface area to volume ratio for cell one in the spherical example?

0.6.

What was the surface area to volume ratio for cell two in the spherical example?

0.37.

Which spherical cell had the best exchange of material through the plasma membrane?

Cell one, with a ratio of 0.6.

Why do cells tend to be small?

Small cells have a high surface area to volume ratio, optimizing material exchange and efficiency.

What happens to the cellular demand for resources in larger cells?

The demand for resources increases due to inefficiencies in transporting materials.

What effect does cell size have on the rate of heat exchange?

Larger cells have a decreased rate of heat exchange.

What is the relationship between cell size and efficiency in material exchange?

Larger cells lose efficiency in exchanging materials due to a lower surface area to volume ratio.