Both the volume and the surface area for three different cells were measured. These values are listed in the following table:
$$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | }
\hline & \text { Volume } & \text { Surface Area } \
\hline \text { Cell 1 } & 0.3 \mathrm {~mm} ^ { 3 } & 26.5 \mathrm {~mm} ^ { 2 } \
\hline \text { Cell } 2 & 12.2 \mu \mathrm { m } ^ { 3 } & 37.1 \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 } \
\hline \text { Cell } 3 & 17.6 \mathrm {~mm} ^ { 3 } & 40.6 \mathrm {~mm} ^ { 2 } \
\hline
\end{array}$$
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:
$$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | } 
\hline & \text { Volume } & \text { Surface Area } \
\hline \text { Cell 1 } & 0.3 \mathrm {~mm} ^ { 3 } & 26.5 \mathrm {~mm} ^ { 2 } \
\hline \text { Cell } 2 & 12.2 \mu \mathrm { m } ^ { 3 } & 37.1 \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 } \
\hline \text { Cell } 3 & 17.6 \mathrm {~mm} ^ { 3 } & 40.6 \mathrm {~mm} ^ { 2 } \
\hline
\end{array}$$
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 surface area to volume ratio, which is crucial for efficient exchange of materials, including waste elimination, between the cell and its environment.

Both the Volume and the Surface Area for Three Different