Question

3.4.3 Lab: Why are cells so small?

Answer 1

Answer: The important point is that the surface area to the volume ratio gets smaller as the cell gets larger. Thus, if the cell grows beyond a certain limit, not enough material will be able to cross the membrane fast enough to accommodate the increased cellular volume. ... That is why cells are so small.

Explanation: because they can absorb nutrients much more efficiently. Because they are smaller they can efficiently absorb enough food. ... When a cell doubles in size the volume increases much more then the surface area, which is why large cells cannot receive enough food efficiently for their volume. Cells are small because they are more efficient as smaller entities. Information within small cells is transmitted more quickly and efficiently than within larger cells. ... Thus a higher cell surface area-to-volume ratio, i.e., smaller cell size, is desired for most efficient cellular activity.