Which cell has properties better suited for the metabolic needs of diffusing sub

Question

Which cell has properties better suited for the metabolic needs of diffusing substances most rapidly from the interior to the exterior (and vice verse)? Select (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e).

(a) A cell with a surface area significantly greater than its volume.

(b) A cell with a large volume, surface area is not a consideration.

(c) A cell with a suface area equal to its volume.

(d) A cell with a large surface area, volume is not a consideration.

(e) A cell with a volume significantly greater than its surface area.

Explanation / Answer

The correct answer for your query is (a).

Explanation:

Most single-celled organisms rely on passive diffusion to transport materials across their cell membranes. Many such materials are critically important to the functions of the cell and are therefore needed in great amounts. When a cell has much greater volume than surface area, diffusion is insufficient for providing these materials. This results in large cells being unable to function nearly as quickly or effectively as smaller cells and places a limit on cell size.

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