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Which of the following is not true about the limits of how big a cell can get?

A. DNA overload (not enough DNA to support a bigger cell)
B. Materials can move from one side of a cell to another side of the cell faster in a bigger cell
C. Takes longer to get things out of the cell and to different parts of the cell.
D. Cell growth is never limited

User Pholzm
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1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The incorrect statement regarding cell size limitations is B, as materials actually move slower in larger cells due to decreased surface area-to-volume ratio and increased distance for diffusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is not true about the limits of how big a cell can get is: B. Materials can move from one side of a cell to another side of the cell faster in a bigger cell. As cells grow larger, the surface area-to-volume ratio decreases, which impedes the rate of diffusion required for the exchange of substances. Thus, it actually takes longer for materials to move across a larger cell. Other factors that limit cell size include the DNA overload, meaning there isn't enough DNA to support a larger cell and the inefficiency in moving substances into and out of the cell quickly, which is vital for cell survival.

The surface area-to-volume ratio is a crucial factor limiting cell size because a cell with too large a volume compared to its surface area cannot quickly exchange materials like nutrients and waste through its plasma membrane. Diffusion rate is slower in larger cells due to the greater distance substances must travel. Organisms have microscopic cells, regardless of their size, to maximize efficiency in exchanging materials crucial for cell function and survival.

User Fenix Voltres
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