Question

Explain how surface to volume ratios limit the size of a cell

Explain how surface to volume ratios limit the size of a cell

0 1
Add a comment Improve this question Transcribed image text
Answer #1

ans-

The factors limiting the size of cells include: Surface area to volume ratio (surface area / volume) Nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. Fragility of cell membrane. The reason that the cell can grow to a certain limit is its surface area to volume ratio.

The important point is that the surface area to the volume ratio gets smaller as the cell gets larger. Thus, if the cell grows beyond a certain limit, not enough material will be able to cross the membrane fast enough to accommodate the increased cellular volume.

As a cell gets bigger there comes a time when its surface area is not large enough to meet the demands of the cell volume and the cells stop growing. As a cell grows larger in volume its metabolic demands increase faster than the surface area's ability to meet those needs , hence a maximum size is reached . Plenty of oxygen can diffuse into a small cell but not a large one.

Add a comment
Know the answer?
Add Answer to:
Explain how surface to volume ratios limit the size of a cell
Your Answer:

Post as a guest

Your Name:

What's your source?

Earn Coins

Coins can be redeemed for fabulous gifts.

Not the answer you're looking for? Ask your own homework help question. Our experts will answer your question WITHIN MINUTES for Free.
Similar Homework Help Questions
ADVERTISEMENT
Free Homework Help App
Download From Google Play
Scan Your Homework
to Get Instant Free Answers
Need Online Homework Help?
Ask a Question
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 3 hours.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT