[Sophomore Biology at GHS: Cell Unit Notes]

Cell Size

Cells must be small as larger cells find it difficult to bring in enough food, and export enough wastes to keep the cell alive.

As cell size increases, the ratio of cell volume to cell surface area decreases. At some point as cells increase in size, there isn't enough cell membrane to adequately supply the cell interior with enough oxygen, water, and food. When this happens, the cell dies.

[Diagram comparing surface area to volume of cells]

[Diagram comparing cell sizes]


Slichter