Which of the following is a major cause of the size limits for certain types of cells?
A)the evolution of larger cells after the evolution of smaller cells
B)the difference in plasma membranes between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
C)the evolution of eukaryotes after the evolution of prokaryotes
D)the need for a surface area of sufficient area to allow the cell's function
E)the observation that longer cells usually have greater cell volume

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The need for a surface area of sufficient area to allow the cell's function is a major cause of the size limits for certain types of cells. As cells increase in size, their volume increases much more rapidly than their surface area, making it difficult for nutrients to diffuse into the cell and wastes to diffuse out. Therefore, cells have to balance their need for volume with the need for efficient nutrient exchange, which leads to size limits.

Which of the Following Is a Major Cause of the Size