Surface Area: Volume

• What happens to the surface area to volume ratio as an object increases in size?

  The surface area increases more than the volume
• Why is a high surface area to volume ratio important for cells?

  It allows the cell to exchange materials more efficiently
• What happens to the surface area to volume ratio as the size of a cell decreases?

  The ratio increases
• What is the effect of a low surface area to volume ratio in larger organisms?

  It reduces the efficiency of material exchange
• How can a cell increase its surface area to volume ratio?

  By becoming longer or developing folds
• What is the surface area to volume ratio of a cube with a side length of 2 cm?

  6:1
• Which structure increases the surface area of a cell?

  Microvilli
• What would happen to a cell if its surface area was too small compared to its volume?

  It would struggle to take in enough nutrients
• Which shape would have the largest surface area to volume ratio?

  A flat shape
• Why do small organisms like bacteria have a high surface area to volume ratio?

  To absorb more nutrients