As a cell increases in volume, the relative surface area decreases and the demand for resources increases. This is not a good combination, as cells will not be able to get resources as efficiently. The surface area to volume ratio decreases, diffusion or the movement of materials in and out of the cell, happens at a slower rate.
Formulas: Surface Area of a Cube = 6s2 Volume of a Rectangular Solid = lwh Surface Area to Volume Ratio = SA/V If you had a cell that was cube-shaped with a side length of 20µm, calculate the surface to volume ratio of the cell. Round your answer to the tenths place.