Question

6 The following table shows the surface-area-to-volume ratio of four cube-shaped

cell models.
Cell Model
A
B
C
D
Surface Area
6 cm²
24 cm²
54 cm²
96 cm²
Volume
1 cm³
8 cm³
27 cm³
64 cm³
Surface-Area-to-Volume Ratio
6:1 =6
24:8=3
54:27 = 2
96:64 = 1.5
Cells are small, and their surface area is large in relation to their volume. This is
an important feature for the proper transport of both nutrients and water into and
out of the cell. Which of the four model cells do you think will be best able to
supply nutrients and water to its cell parts?
A cell model A
B cell model B
C cell model C
D cell model D

Answer 1

Cell Model A, with the highest surface-area-to-volume ratio of 6:1, is the most efficient for the exchange of nutrients and water with its environment.

The efficiency of nutrient and waste exchange in a cell is largely determined by the surface-area-to-volume ratio. The cell models provided have different ratios, indicating their relative efficiency in exchanging materials. Cell Model A has the highest surface-area-to-volume ratio of 6:1, making it the most efficient among the options for supplying nutrients and water to its cell parts.

This is because a higher ratio means a relatively larger surface area for the exchange processes to occur compared to its volume. Consequently, Cell Model A, with a 6 cm² surface area and 1 cm³ volume, is best equipped for efficient exchange processes, which are crucial for cell survival and function.