Cell Size and Surface Area
Learning Objective
I can explain how surface area to volume ratio affects cell size and function.
Key Concepts
Cells need resources from the outside world, which must make their way through the outer membrane, and waste products need to be released across that membrane.
As the volume of a cell increases, the ratio between surface area to volume decreases, making it harder to exchange resources, waste, and energy.
Cells can increase their surface area to volume ratio through folds in their membranes, allowing for more efficient exchange.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 10 practice questions to reinforce learning.
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1. Why is the surface area to volume ratio important for cell function?
2. As a cell increases in size, what happens to its surface area to volume ratio?
3. Explain how a decreased surface area to volume ratio can limit cell size.
...and 7 more questions
Educational Video
Surface area to volume ratio of cells | Cell structure and function | AP Biology | Khan Academy
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