Question

The effect of cell size on material transport

Answer 1

The rate at which materials diffuse into a cell varies with the size of the cell, and large cells may have limited nutrient intake and waste elimination.

Step-by-step explanation:

Diffusion is the process by which materials move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. The rate at which materials diffuse into a cell does vary with the size of the cell. Larger cells have a slower rate of diffusion because they have a greater distance that the substances must travel. This places an upper limitation on cell size, as large, spherical cells may die because nutrients or waste cannot reach or leave the cell's center effectively.

Furthermore, molecules must move against their concentration gradient in order to engage in active transport, which uses energy. Since they can transfer materials within the cell over shorter distances, smaller cells may be more advantageous in active transport. Small cells may find it simpler to maintain the right amounts of ions or other molecules as a result.

Answer 2

The greater the surface area of a cell, the faster the cell can transport materials across its membrane because there is more area to absorb/excrete materials. We also want the surface area much higher than the volume of a cell. the more volume a cell has the slower the transport of diffusion will be. If the cell is smaller because it has a higher surface area than it does volume. Because of this larger SA:V ratio, smaller cells will transport materials faster.