Surface Area And Volume Ratio Flashcards
(10 cards)
What does sa: V ratio stand for?
Surface area to volume ratio
Why is the ratio important for cells?
It determines how efficiently a cell can exchange materials who nutrients & waste with its environment
What happens to the ratio as a cell grows larger?
The ratio decreases, making exchange of materials less efficient
Which increases faster as a cell grows: surface area or volume?
Volume increases faster
What problem does a low ratio cause for calls?
It makes it harder for the cell to get enough nutrients m & waste out, which can slow down or stop cell functions.
Why do cells divide instead of just growing bigger?
To maintain a high sa:v ratio for efficient material exchange.
What is an example of a real-life structure that increases surface area in the human body.
Alveoli in the lungs (for gas exchange)
What is the sa: V ratio of a 1x1x1 cube?
6:1
What is one strategy cells use to increase surface are without increasing volume too much?
They form extensions or folds like microvilli or root hairs
What happens to a cube’s sa:v ratio as its size increases?
The ratio decreases (e.g. from 6:1 in a small cube to 2:1 in a large one)
