Both the volume and the surface area for three different cells were measured. These values are listed in the following table:

Using data from the table above, select the best explanation for why that cell will be able to eliminate waste most efficiently?
A) Cell 1, since it has the smallest volume and will not produce as much waste as the other cells.
B) Cell 2, since it has the highest ratio of surface area to volume, which facilitates the exchange of materials between a cell and its environment.
C) Cell 3, since it has the largest surface area, which will enable it to eliminate all of its wastes efficiently.
D) Cell 3, because it is big enough to allow wastes to easily diffuse through the plasma membrane.

Question

Both the volume and the surface area for three different cells were measured. These values are listed in the following table:

Using data from the table above, select the best explanation for why that cell will be able to eliminate waste most efficiently?
A) Cell 1, since it has the smallest volume and will not produce as much waste as the other cells. 
B) Cell 2, since it has the highest ratio of surface area to volume, which facilitates the exchange of materials between a cell and its environment. 
C) Cell 3, since it has the largest surface area, which will enable it to eliminate all of its wastes efficiently. 
D) Cell 3, because it is big enough to allow wastes to easily diffuse through the plasma membrane.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cell 2 has the highest ratio of surface area to volume, which means that it has a greater surface area relative to its volume than the other cells. This facilitates the exchange of materials between the cell and its environment, making it more efficient at eliminating waste.

Both the Volume and the Surface Area for Three Different