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Why Are Cells So Small?
Introduction: All living organisms are
composed of cells. The membrane
surrounding each cell allows for the
delivery of vital nutrients to the cell and the
elimination of waste materials from the
interior. The size and shape of a cell determines how well this process
takes place and whether or not the cell will survive.
Investigation: Complete the tables for the following cell shapes and sizes.
Side
Length
Cubical Cell
SA
Vol
Spherical Cell
SA:Vol
Diameter
1 un
1 un
2 un
2 un
6 un
6 un
15 un
15 un
1. What happens to the surface area to volume ratio
as the cell size increases?
2. To maintain life, materials must be able to move
into and out of the cell, as well as move within the
cell. What might be a couple advantages of having
a smaller cell?
SA
Vol
SA:Vol
4. What is the advantage of having a folded
membrane within the cytoplasm (i.e. endoplasmic
reticulum) or within organelles (i.e. chloroplasts)?
5. Which cell shape provides the most surface area
for a given width/diameter?
OUTSIDE: Start making small bubbles with pipe
cleaner(s) and then use the string bubble-maker.
3. Do larger organisms have larger cells than smaller
organisms, or more cells than smaller organisms?
Explain.
6. At about what diameter do the bubbles go from
being spherical to odd shapes? Why do the
bubbles not stay spherical?