Final answer:
Cells are limited in size by factors like surface area-to-volume ratio, nutrient availability, genetic control, and metabolic requirements. Advantages of cell division include growth, repair, and reproduction, while disadvantages can include DNA mutations and the development of tumors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors limiting the size of a cell
The size of a cell is limited by various factors:
- Surface area-to-volume ratio: Cells need to exchange materials with their environment through the cell membrane. As cells grow larger, their volume increases faster than their surface area, making it harder for nutrients and waste to move in and out efficiently.
- Nutrient availability: Larger cells require more resources to survive. If there is a limited supply of nutrients, cells may have size restrictions to ensure they can obtain enough resources.
- Genetic control: The genetic material of a cell plays a role in determining its size. Certain genes may regulate cell growth and division, limiting the size of cells.
- Metabolic requirements: Cells need energy to carry out their functions. Larger cells may have difficulty obtaining enough energy to support their activities.
Advantages and disadvantages of cell division
Advantages: Cell division allows for growth, repair, and replacement of damaged or old cells. It also plays a crucial role in reproduction and the development of multicellular organisms.
Disadvantages: There are potential disadvantages associated with cell division, such as the risk of DNA mutations or errors during the process. Uncontrolled cell division can lead to the formation of tumors and cancer.
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