Cell Size

Surface area

The outside covering of a cell (its cell membrane)

Volume

The space inside the cell

Cell Size Limits

Factors that limit the size of cells

Nutrients

Substances needed by cells for growth and metabolism

Water

A vital substance needed by cells for various cellular processes

Oxygen

A gas required by cells for cellular respiration

Wastes

Substances produced by cells that need to be removed

DNA

The genetic material that carries instructions for cell functions

Proteins

Molecules essential for various cellular processes

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

The ratio of the outside surface area of a cell to its internal volume

Efficiency

The ability of a cell to perform its functions effectively and with minimal waste

Diffusion

The movement of substances from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration

Metabolic Reactions

Chemical reactions that occur within cells to sustain life

Divide

The process by which a cell splits into two smaller cells