How does size affect a cell? - ProProfs Discuss
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How does size affect a cell?

Asked by Jessecombs, Last updated: Dec 30, 2023

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5 Answers

M. Jabrowsky

M. Jabrowsky

M. Jabrowsky
M. Jabrowsky, Bank Manager, Ohio

Answered Jan 25, 2021

The cell is an important element in the body. The size of the cell matters a lot as it will determine it ability to pass gases and nutrient in and out of the cell. When the cell grows to big it gets harder for nutrient to pass trough and there are some basic material and nutrient that needs to pass the cell on a regular basis and if this is not done on time the cells my die prematurely.

This is because the surface area of a cell does not increase at the same pace with its volume. Cells must always remain small in order to survive, when the cell is small it makes it easier for nutrient and other necessary material to pass through.

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Daniel Frederic

Daniel Frederic

Daniel Frederic
Daniel Frederic

Answered Jan 20, 2021

The size of the cell is a very important aspect to the cell itself. Organisms have small cells, which may come as a surprise being that cells are the main structure and keep the organism functioning .

However, they are small so that the nutrients are able to move in and out of the cells. Cells require food fast and easily. This is why the cell needs to be small. When a cell is large, it makes it harder for the cell to be able to pass the gas and necessary food in and out of the cell, which will impact the organism.

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B. Lucian

B. Lucian

I fell in love with Literature when i was a child and since i gained more consciousness, I've pursued it as a career and I'm lovin' it.

B. Lucian
B. Lucian, Literature Professor, Diploma in Classic Literature, Denver, Colorado

Answered Jan 17, 2021

If the cell size increases, it will be more challenging for diffusion to transport items out of the cell, and the reason for this is the change in the surface to area ratio of the cell. Diffusion must occur across the cell's surface; therefore, whatever is going to be moved out of the cell must contact the cell's surface. If the cell becomes more extensive, there will be less surface area compared to the cell.

Therefore, smaller area of the cell's interior will be able to meet the cell's exterior. If a lesser amount of it comes in contact, less of it can be able to cross the cell membrane. The greater the cell's size, the lower the surface to area ratio, and the harder it is for anything to disseminate out of the cell.

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E. Barnes

E. Barnes

But Can you play this?

E. Barnes
E. Barnes, Professional Gamer, Professional Gamer, Washington

Answered Jan 14, 2021

Cell size will definitely play a huge role in the ability of nutrients and gases to pass in and out of the cell. When the cell is large, it will be harder for the different nutrients and gases to pass through the cell. When the cell grows, you will also notice that the volume will also increase depending on the surface area.

Aside from the cell’s size, another thing that will affect its overall function is its shape. Take note that there are certain living things that would require more nutrients to pass through. If the nutrients and other needed materials do not get to the cells or tissues on time, these cells and tissues will die prematurely.

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W. Wright

W. Wright

Let's see how far my knowledge stretches

W. Wright
W. Wright, Biology student, Biology student, Astoria

Answered Jan 12, 2021

The size of a cell has a lot to do with the rate at which nutrients go in and out of it. For a cell to remain functional, it must constantly get enough nutrients and other essential gases. To achieve this, cells must remain very small in order to get gases and nutrients into and out of them.

This shows that as a cell gets larger, it reduces the rate at which nutrients move in and out of it. The reason for this is that the surface area of a cell does not increase at the same rate as its volume.

The implication is that as a cell gets bigger, its smaller surface area won't allow nutrients in at the right quantity the cell needs them. On the other hand, a small cell has the right surface area that allows it to get enough nutrients. However, this explains why most organisms don't have huge cells.

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