Question

Why must cells divide to stay small or change shape to reduce volume?

Answer 1

Answer:

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. When this happens, the cell must divide into smaller cells with favorable surface area/volume ratios, or cease to function. That is why cells are so small.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

To ensure the cell is able to obtain nutrients or remove wastes.

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.