The overall size that unicellular microbial eukaryotes can achieve is limited by their
A) energy-producing potential.
B) metabolism.
C) mitochondria.
D) surface area-to-volume ratio.
E) Both a and b

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The size of unicellular microbial eukaryotes is limited by their surface area-to-volume ratio. As the cell size increases, its volume increases faster than its surface area, decreasing the ratio of surface area to volume. This decreases the cell's ability to exchange nutrients and waste products with its environment, ultimately placing a limit on the maximum size the cell can achieve. Energy-producing potential, metabolism, and mitochondria can all impact the cell's ability to function, but they are not the primary limiting factor for cell size.

The Overall Size That Unicellular Microbial Eukaryotes Can Achieve Is