Which cell carries out the most chemical activity within a minute (all else being equal)?
A) A spherical cell 1 $\mu$m in diameter
B) A spherical cell 2 $\mu$m in diameter
C) A spherical cell 3 $\mu$m in diameter
D) A spherical cell 4 $\mu$m in diameter
E) A nonspherical cell of any diameter

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The larger the cell, the smaller its surface area-to-volume ratio. A smaller surface area-to-volume ratio means there are fewer openings for material exchange, which reduces the amount of chemical activity that can occur. Therefore, cell 4 with a diameter of 10 micrometers has the least surface area-to-volume ratio and would carry out the most chemical activity within a minute.

Which Cell Carries Out the Most Chemical Activity Within a Minute