Surface

Area/Volume
Relationship
Q8-13
 As a cell grows, its volume increases by the power of 3
(cubed), whereas the surface area increases by the
power of 2 (squared). Therefore, its surface area to

Q8 volume ratio decreases. - Kognity

What are SI units?

Plant cell: 10,000 to 30,000 nm The International System of Units, also
Animal cell: 10,000 to 30,000 nm known as SI units, is a commonly used
measurement system in science and
Nucleus: 5,000 to 25,000 nm technology. Various physical and biological
Bacteria: 500 to 5,000 nm parameters, including length, volume, mass,
time, and temperature, are measured in
Mitochondria: 500 to 1,500 nm
biology using SI units.
Virus: 20 to 300 nm
Ribosome: 20 to 25 nm
Membrane thickness: 5 to 10 nm
Molecules: 0.1 to 10 nm

https://youtu.be/huKUJsqik2I
 Q9 As the volume of a cell increases, what happens to…? (increase/ decrease)

As the volume of a cell increases:

a) The production of waste products increases.

b) The usage of nutrients and oxygen increases.

c) The surface area: volume ratio decreases.

Explanation:

● a) As a cell's volume grows, so does its metabolic activity, and this results in a rise in the
creation of waste products. Waste product generation rises along with metabolic activity.
● b) As cell volume grows, more nutrients and oxygen are used since a larger cell needs more
energy to maintain its metabolic functions. The cell has to absorb more nutrients and oxygen
in order to meet this higher energy demand.
● c) Because the cell's surface area does not change as quickly as its volume, the surface area
to volume ratio drops as the cell's volume increases. There is less surface area available for
the exchange of materials and energy between the cell and its environment as the volume of
the cell grows because the ratio of surface area to volume falls as the volume grows.
Q10
State the advantages of maximizing the surface area: volume ratio in a cell (why
are small cells more efficient?)

● A greater interchange of materials and energy between the

cell and its surroundings is possible when there is a higher
surface area to volume ratio.
● More membrane is available for these processes to take
place when there is a higher surface area to volume ratio,
which results in more effective transport.
● More waste can be discharged and more nutrients and
oxygen can be absorbed on a surface area that is greater.
● The cell can be supplied with all the necessary materials
more effectively when the volume is less.
● Smaller cells may disperse heat more effectively and keep
their temperature steady because they have a larger
surface area to volume ratio.
Q11
List some adaptations used by cells to maximize SA:Vol ratio.

● the process through which the cell membrane develops folds, invaginations, and villi
to expand its surface area.
● the creation of organelles with intracellular membrane connections, like mitochondria,
to expand the cell's overall surface area.
● Cilia, flagella, and pseudopodia are present to expand the cell's surface area in
interaction with the environment.
Q12
List some adaptations used by multicellular organisms to maximize SA:Vol ratio

Some adaptations used by multicellular organisms to maximize the

surface area to volume ratio include:

● the development of a branching blood artery network to

expand the organism's surface area for environmental
exchange.
● the existence of specialized structures that increase the
surface area available for gas exchange with the environment,
such as leaves.
● the creation of intricate digestive systems, like the intestines
of a human, to maximize the surface area available for food
absorption.
Q13 Describe how a large SA:Vol ratio can be harmful or costly to small animals.

● Increased heat loss can result from a high surface area to volume
ratio, which is troublesome for small animals because they have
less space to hold heat.

● Increased water loss: For small animals living in arid regions, an

increased water loss might be a concern if there is a high surface
area to volume ratio.

● A high surface area to volume ratio can also result in an increase in

energy use since greater surface area needs to be maintained and
protected against potential hazards.

● A high surface area to volume ratio can also result in higher

nutrient requirements since greater surface area needs to be
nourished.

● For small animals, having a high surface area to volume ratio can
be detrimental or expensive as it can increase heat loss, water loss,
vulnerability to predators, energy use, and food requirements.
Thank You!