Question

In order for a cell to continue being efficient at exchanging materials, what must it do to maintain its surface-to-volume ratio as it grows larger

Answer 1

A cell must manage its surface-to-volume ratio as it grows to maintain efficient material exchange. It can divide, increase membrane surface area, or develop organelles. Cells' spherical shapes help to minimize distance for nutrient and waste exchange.

Step-by-step explanation:

To maintain an efficient exchange of materials as a cell grows larger, it must ensure that its surface-to-volume ratio remains favorable for diffusion. If a cell grows too large, the surface area of its plasma membrane may not be sufficient to support the rate of diffusion required for its volume. Therefore, to cope with increased size, a cell can do several things:

• Divide to reduce size and restore a higher surface-to-volume ratio.
• Increase its surface area by developing folds in the cell membrane.
• Become flat or adopt a thin, elongated shape.
• Develop specialized organelles that perform specific tasks to enhance efficiency.

The shape of cells is also adapted for efficient exchange; most cells are approximately spherical. A sphere has the largest surface-to-volume ratio, meaning that nutrients and wastes have a shorter distance to travel to and from the cell membrane, allowing for faster exchange.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

It will have to change its form in order for the cell to focus on developing and retaining a viable, in order to be large and narrow as in the situation of the nerve cells or to build a more 'contoured' surface, that is, to establish microvillus.