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Biology help?

What is the advantage of having a large surface area in a cell?

What is the disadvantage of having a large volume in a cell?

2 Answers

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  • Amy Z
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    A large surface area means that there is more area for the cell to absorb important molecules that it needs. The cell can get more of what it needs faster.

    A large volume means that the molecules take longer to get from one place to another. Most things in a cell happen by diffusion so the larger the distance the longer it takes to cross it. Therefore the cell isn't getting what it needs fast enough, which will result in the cell not being able to carry out necessary reactions, like glycolysis, fast enough to keep up with the energy demands of such a large cell.

  • ScSpec
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    More surface area allows for more movement of materials into and out of the cell. More volume is a disadvantage because the surface cannot transport enough materials for the entire volume to survive.

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