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Which of the following states why one of the models is better for moving more nutrients in and out of the cell?

A. Model A has a larger surface area to volume ratio
B. Model B has a larger surface area to volume ratio
C. Model A has a smaller surface area to volume ratio
D. Model B has a smaller surface area to volume ratio

1 Answer

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Final answer:

A cell with a larger surface area-to-volume ratio is better for moving more nutrients in and out due to the increased relative surface area that allows for more efficient exchange through diffusion. This is why smaller cells or cells with shapes that maximize surface area relative to volume tend to have an advantage in substance exchange.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cell that is better for moving more nutrients in and out is the one with a larger surface area-to-volume ratio. A larger surface area relative to the volume allows for more efficient exchange of materials because it provides more area for diffusion to occur. As a cell grows in size, its volume increases faster than its surface area, leading to a decrease in its surface area-to-volume ratio, which makes diffusion less efficient.

Considering the models, if Model A has a larger surface area-to-volume ratio than Model B, Model A would more efficiently exchange nutrients and wastes with its environment. This concept also applies when comparing cells of different shapes and sizes, such as between a spherical and a cubic cell. The cell with the larger surface area-to-volume ratio, in this case typically the smaller cell, will be more efficient at exchanging substances due to its larger relative surface area.

The efficiency of diffusion is crucial for the survival of cells as it affects how quickly and effectively the cell can obtain nutrients and expel wastes. Therefore, cells with larger surface area-to-volume ratios can procure nutrients and eliminate wastes more rapidly through diffusion.

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