Surface Area to Volume Ratio

Which graph represents the change in cell surface area to volume ratio with increasing cell diameter (size)?

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• 
• 
• 

As a cell grows, the surface area to volume ratio...

(increases or decreases)

(a)  

Small cells have a...

• Higher SA:V ratio

• Smaller SA:V ratio

If a cell increases its SA:V ratio....

• substances will enter and exit the cell more efficiently

• substances will enter and exit the cell less efficiently

• substances will not enter and exit the cell

• no change will occur

As a cell increases in size and volume...

• It will create and excrete more waste

• It will require more substances to enter the cell for chemical reactions

• Its SA:V ratio increases

• Its SA:V ratio decreases

• It will create and excrete less waste

Place the following shapes in order of SMALLEST to LARGEST SA:V ratio.

You shouldn't have to do math here

• B

• D

• A

• C

Which "cell" would produce the most waste?

• C

• B

• A

• D

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-7

Alveoli in the lungs have a higher surface area to volume ratio. This means they exchange oxygen and CO2 at a ....

• fast rate

• slow rate

High Surface area to volume ratio allows cells to do what quickly?

• Move materials around inside the cell
• Move materials in and out of the cell 
• Communicate to other cells
• Divide

Microvilli are tiny projections that extend off the cell to increase the Surface Area.  What purpose might that serve? 

• Increased absorption
• Better communication among cells
• Maintain homeostasis 
• Decreased oxygen use

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2