cell size limitations

• In order to exchange materials most efficiently across the cell membrane, cells need to have the biggest surface area they can, for the smallest volume.
• The smaller the ell, the larger the surface area to volume ratio, therefore smaller cells are more efficient. Cell size is limited by the SAV ratio as whiich the cell can be made to function efficiently.
• Larger surface area to volume ratio, harder for materials to diffuse
• small surface area to volume ratio, easier for materials to diffuse
• Large surface area to volume ratio, harder for materials to diffuse

  • Large overall movement of material
  • Slower diffusion
  • Lower relative movement of particles
• Smaller surface area to volume ratio, easier to materials to diffuse

  • smaller overall movement of material
  • faster diffusion
  • greater relative particle movement