Cell Size

AP Biology· difficulty 3/5

The table shows surface area, volume, and SA:V ratio for the three cubes used above.

Why do cells remain microscopic rather than grow large?

A
$Larger cells contain too many ribosomes.$
B
$Larger cells have more DNA, slowing replication.$
C
$Cell membranes cannot grow large.$
D
$Larger cells have a smaller SA:V ratio, limiting nutrient/waste exchange relative to metabolic demand.$
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Explanation

SA scales as L^2 while V scales as L^3, so SA:V drops as size increases. Cells need adequate surface for transport per unit cytoplasmic volume.

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