Question

Ratio of surface area to volume: Imagine a cell that is shaped like a cube. The formula for surface area (SA) is SA = length^2 times 6. To calculate the amount of space in increase the length of a cell's size to 3 cm. Does not increase as fast as volume does; this decrease in the relative amount of cell membrane available. The largest cell, such as the one shown in figure 11. Unusual shapes or structures to maintain the ratio. Reading check: If a cell keeps growing, why must it eventually divide?

(a) To increase surface area
(b) To decrease volume
(c) To maintain the ratio
(d) To replicate DNA

Answer 1

A cell must eventually divide to maintain its surface area-to-volume ratio. As cells grow larger, this ratio decreases, leading to inefficiencies in diffusion that are essential for cellular function.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a cell keeps growing, it must eventually divide to maintain the ratio of surface area to volume. As a cell's size increases, its volume grows more rapidly than its surface area, making diffusion across the cell membrane less efficient. For instance, a cell shaped like a cube with a side length of 3 cm has a surface area of 54 cm² and a volume of 27 cm³, resulting in a surface area-to-volume ratio of 2. In contrast, a smaller cube with a side length of 1 cm has a surface area of 6 cm² and a volume of 1 cm³, with a ratio of 6. Therefore, the larger a cell becomes, the smaller its surface area-to-volume ratio is, which limits the cell's ability to take in necessary substances and expel waste. To counter this inefficiency, cells must divide, which in turn increases surface area relative to volume and allows for adequate diffusion to support cellular processes.