Exploring the Size Limits of Bacteria

The video explores how living organisms solve the problem of transporting essential materials like oxygen and nutrients from the outside to the inside of cells. It highlights the role of diffusion, a free transport mechanism, in small organisms and the challenges faced by larger organisms due to the square-cube law. The video explains how multicellular structures and specialized adaptations, such as increased surface area in lungs and roots, help larger organisms efficiently exchange gases and nutrients. It emphasizes the fundamental principles of life that have remained unchanged for billions of years.

What is the primary function of cellular respiration?

• To produce water

• To consume carbon dioxide

• To generate energy

• To create oxygen

What physical law allows molecules to move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration?

• Diffusion

• The square-cube law

• Osmosis

• Gravity

What is the primary method of gas exchange in small organisms like bacteria?

• Active transport

• Diffusion

• Endocytosis

• Exocytosis

Why is diffusion not effective for large organisms?

• Because it's too fast

• Because of the square-cube law

• Because it requires too much energy

• Because large organisms do not have cells

What does the square-cube law imply for the size of living organisms?

• Larger organisms have proportionally more surface area

• Smaller organisms have proportionally more volume

• Larger organisms have proportionally more volume

• Surface area and volume increase at the same rate

What is the main reason multicellular organisms developed specialized cells?

• To consume more food

• To move faster

• To increase their size

• To improve diffusion efficiency

How do your lungs maximize the surface area for gas exchange?

• By minimizing blood vessels

• By having many tightly packed tiny balloons

• By being small and compact

• By being large and smooth

What is the surface area of the human gut approximately equal to?

• A football field

• A basketball court

• A half badminton court

• A tennis court

What is the role of capillaries in the human body?

• To store blood

• To support the immune system

• To transport oxygen-rich blood

• To regulate body temperature

Why do trees need a large surface area?

• To increase their height

• To create sugar from air and sunlight

• To absorb more sunlight

• To produce more oxygen