Question

Cells are limited in size by the

• A. Rate at which substances needed by the cell can enter the cell through its surface
• B. Rate at which the cell can manufacture the genetic information
• C. Amount of material the cell can collect itself
• D. Amount of cell membrane the cell can produce

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

As the cell size increases the surface area per unit volume decreases. Therefore, the surface area would not allow materials to enter or leave the cell quickly enough to meet the cell's needs. As a result, most cells are microscopic in size. Cell size is limited due to the inability of very large cells to provide nutrients and water and remove wastes in an efficient manner. The size of a cell is limited by the relationship of the cell's outer surface area to its volume or its surface area-to-volume ratio. Thus, the correct answer is option A.