asked 135k views
0 votes
Small cells function more effectively, because as cells become larger their surface area to volume ratio

A. stays the same
B. is squared
C. increases
D. is cubed
E. decreases.

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Cells become less efficient as they increase in size because the surface area-to-volume ratio decreases.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cells become less efficient as they increase in size because the surface area-to-volume ratio decreases. This means that the surface area of the cell does not increase at the same rate as its volume. As a result, large cells may struggle to exchange nutrients and wastes with their environment. For example, a spherical cell with a diameter of 5 µm would have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio compared to a cubed-shaped cell with a side length of 7 μm, making it more efficient in exchanging nutrients and wastes.

answered
User KTW
by
8.4k points

No related questions found

Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.