It is important for the cell to maintain a high surface area: volume ratio so that the gaseous exchange and movement of nutrients and waste material occurs efficiently across the cell membrane. Should the cell expand, then the volume would increase, decreasing the surface area: volume ratio. This would decrease the rate of movement of nutrients and waste material across the cell membrane, also the energy demand of the cell would be higher compared to a smaller cell.
Plants in the desert would have a decreased number of stomata compared to rainforest plants. This is because desert plants need to reduce their water loss and keep out the hot and dry winds
