How does the size of a cell’s surface area change compared to its volume when the cell grows?

Question

A. The surface area remains constant as the volume changes.
B. The surface area increases at the same rate the volume does.
C. The surface area increases faster than the volume does.
D. The surface area does not increase as fast as the volume does.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

D. The surface area does not increase as fast as the volume does.

As a cell grows, its volume increases more significantly than its surface area. This is because volume is proportional to the cube of the radius (or linear dimensions) whereas surface area is proportional to the square of the radius. As a result, larger cells can face challenges in transporting materials across their surface to accommodate their volume.