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Cell Size Limitations

Cell Size Limitations. Why are cells so small?. Why can’t organisms be one big giant cell?. Diffusion limits cell size. Movement from higher concentration to lower concentration Larger the distance, slower the diffusion rate

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Cell Size Limitations

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  1. Cell Size Limitations Why are cells so small?

  2. Why can’t organisms be one big giant cell?

  3. Diffusion limits cell size • Movement from higher concentration to lower concentration • Larger the distance, slower the diffusion rate • A cell 20 cm (8in) would require months for nutrients to get to the center • This is about the size of a dinner plate • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30PrtZDB8I

  4. DNA limits cell size • Larger cells need more DNA. • They need more of everything! • Most cells have just one nucleus. • There is not enough DNA to make all the stuff a cell needs if it gets too big. • DNA Replication is complicated: • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW5JnYZImJA • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teV62zrm2P0

  5. Surface area to volume ratio limits size

  6. As volume increases, the surface increases. • The problem is that the volume increases more rapidly than surface area. • Cell size doubles, 8x as much volume, but only 4x as much surface area • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuG4ZZ1GbzI

  7. So, if too big is a problem, what’s the solution? • Cells divide before they become too big • Process of cell division is called mitosis

  8. TO RECAP: • 1. Diffusion limitscell size • Slow and inefficient over large areas • 2. DNA limits cell size • Limit to how quickly DNA can be read • Limit to # of proteins built / period of time • 3. Surface area to volume ratio limits cell size • Volume increases faster than surface area • Requires more nutrients, get rid of more wastes but through a relatively smaller surface area – • it is more difficult for things to get in and out!

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