Why is it advantageous for cells to be small?
A) A small cell size prevents a cell from weighing too much.
B) A small cell is better able to conserve energy than a larger cell.
C) A small cell size occupies less space in nature where space is limited.
D) A small cell has a small surface area relative to volume, which allows efficient transport through the plasma membrane.
E) A small cell has a small volume relative to surface area, which allows efficient transport through the plasma membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A small cell having a small volume relative to its surface area is advantageous because it allows for efficient transport of materials in and out of the cell through the plasma membrane. This high surface area to volume ratio is crucial for the exchange of substances and for the cell's overall function.

Why Is It Advantageous for Cells to Be Small