Why do cells need to be small in size?

Question

Question 14 options:

Cells need to transport lots of materials inside and out, and a smaller cell size helps with this

Smaller cells have a surface to volume ratio that allows them to be more efficient at transporting materials

Large cells utilize too much energy and nutrients and are therefore not as efficient

All of the above

Answer 1

The correct answer is All of the above.

Here's the reasoning:

1. Cells need to transport lots of materials inside and out, and a smaller cell size helps with this: Smaller cells have shorter distances for materials to move, which speeds up the transportation process.

2. Smaller cells have a surface to volume ratio that allows them to be more efficient at transporting materials: A high surface area to volume ratio means that there is more surface area available for absorption and waste removal relative to the volume inside the cell, facilitating more efficient exchange with the environment.

3. Large cells utilize too much energy and nutrients and are therefore not as efficient: As cells increase in size, they require more energy and resources, and their efficiency in carrying out cellular processes tends to decrease.

Thus, all these points contribute to the reason why cells are generally small in size.