Concept explainers
To calculate:
The surface-to-volume ratio of spherical cells of different sizes (2 µm and 15 µm) and mention the consequences of this difference in the cell function.
Concept introduction:
In the field of
Explanation of Solution
Surface area to cell volume (S/V) ratio:
Diameter of the spherical cell = 15 µm
Surface area to cell volume (S/V) ratio is
Diameter of the spherical cell = 2 µm
Surface area to cell volume (S/V) ratio is
Consequences of the differences in surface to volume ratio: The ratio of surface area to cell volume increases as the size of a cell decreases. In comparison to the cells of larger sizes, cells of smaller sizes possess increased surface area relative to the volume of the cell. Several properties of a cell, including its evolution and growth rate are controlled by its S/V ratio. Due to the presence of larger surface area,
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 2 Solutions
Brock Biology of Microorganisms (15th Edition)
- An electron photomicrograph of a newly discovered cell shows long projections with a basal body in the cell wall. What kind of projections are these? How might this cell behave in its environment because of the presence of this structure?arrow_forwardif you visualize the cytoskeleton of a cell that is expanding in one direction, you typically observed a strong orientation of the cytoskeleton. Please answer the following three questions. a. Would the cytoskeleton be oriented parallel or perpendicular to the direction of cell expansion? b. Would the cellulose fibers in the cell wall be parallel or perpendicular to the cytoskeleton? c. Explain why cytoskeleton, cellulose fibers, and direction of cell expansion have the relationship mentioned in a and b?arrow_forwardWhat is cytoplasmic streaming? What problem for larger cells is addressed by cytoplasmic streamingarrow_forward
- What is the size in µm of a cell that is 135mm wide in my photo? The scale bar in the photo is 2.8cm long and represents 8µm.arrow_forwardThe unified cell theory proposed in the 1830's states that ?arrow_forwardn terms of cellular structure, what is the difference between plant and animal cell? explain in 1-2 sentencearrow_forward
- Based on the data in Table 3 above, prepare the following scatter plot graph. a. On the same graph, you should include the following two lines : i. Cell surface area on the x-axis and the 1:1 surface area ratio on the y-axis (these values will be identical yielding a diagonal line with a slope of 1). ii. Cell surface area on the x-axis and cell volume on the y-axis. b. Based on a comparison of these two curves and your data in Table 3, at what approximate range of points (side length of a cell) does cell volume begin to exceed surface area? Explain the implications beyond this range for cells.arrow_forwardWhich of the following is the limiting factor for cell size? a density b volume c surface-to-volume ratio d surface areaarrow_forwardIn the context of cell biology, what do we mean by form follows function? What are a least two examples of this concept?arrow_forward
- Why is it advantageous for the cell membrane to be fluid in nature?arrow_forwardExplain how the surface-to-volume ratio limits cell size.arrow_forwardCell motility has been described as being like the motion of tank treads. At the leading edge, actin filaments form rapidly into bundles and networks that make protrusions and move the cell forward. At the rear, cell adhesions are broken and the tail end of the cell is brought forward. What provides the traction for moving cells? How does cell-body translocation happen? How are cell adhesions released as cells move forward?arrow_forward
- Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage LearningConcepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College