Cell Size

AP Biology· difficulty 2/5

Cells are typically small because as they grow,

  • A

    Membranes thicken and progressively block the diffusion of nutrients inward across the surface

  • B

    Surface area increases faster than volume, overwhelming transport

  • C

    Volume increases faster than surface area, limiting exchange across membranes

    check_circle
  • D

    DNA replication slows down dramatically as cytoplasmic volume expands inside the cell

Explanation

Volume scales with r³ but surface area with r². Larger cells can't move enough material across their membranes per unit volume.

Want 10 more like this — adaptive to your weak spots?

Related questions