Notes: Cell Size (pg 2)

Notes: Cell Size (pg 2)

• Why are cells so small?

Notes: Cell Size (pg 2)

• Why are cells so small?

• Almost all cells are microscopic

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

• Cells must constantly exchange ions, gases, nutrients, and wastes with their environment

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

• Cells must constantly exchange ions, gases, nutrients, and wastes with their environment

• This occurs through the cell membrane

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

• Cells must constantly exchange ions, gases, nutrients, and wastes with their environment

• This occurs through the cell membrane

• As cells get larger, the volume increases faster than the surface area

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

• Cells must constantly exchange ions, gases, nutrients, and wastes with their environment

• This occurs through the cell membrane

• As cells get larger, the volume increases faster than the surface area

• If the SA:V ratio gets too low, the cell can’t exchange materials efficiently and it will die