Cell Size Does it Matter Cells Come in

Cell Size: Does it Matter?

Cells Come in All Shapes & Sizes

1. Why Should a Cell Care About Its Size? Cells have to take in food, water, gases, and chemicals, and they have to remove waste. n In small cells, all parts of the cell are near the cell membrane. This is important because…

Small Cells Are Like… A Corner Market or Small Grocery Store (Reid’s Market)

Large Cells Are Like… Super Centers (Walmart or Sam’s Club)

2. How Does Cell Size Affect Cell Efficiency? • The outside of a cell is its surface area. • The inside of the cell is its volume. – The volume of the cell increases at a greater rate than its surface area. • As cells increase in size, cellular parts move further away from the cell membrane.

Question If you wanted to QUICKLY purchase the following items from the store: Toothpaste Macaroni and Cheese Oatmeal Toilet paper Would you go to the Reids Market or to a super center? Why?

Reids Market! Why? n The larger the grocery store, the further away items are from the entrance and exit of the store. It’s harder to shop at the super center. n The smaller the grocery store, the closer things are to the entrance and exit. It’s easier to shop at the corner market.

Consequences of Small Surface Area to Volume Ratio…

High Surface Area to Volume Ratio…

3. How Do You Determine Surface Area & Volume? • Calculating Surface Area: – Multiply two touching edges together to determine the area of one size. – Multiply that value by the number of sides • Calculating Volume: – Length x Width x Height