The major factor limiting cell size is the
A) volume of water in the cytoplasm.
B) need for energy.
C) presence of membrane-enclosed organelles.
D) ratio of surface area to volume.
E) composition of the cell membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As cells grow larger, their volume increases much more quickly than their surface area. This means that a larger cell has a smaller ratio of surface area to volume, which can limit the cell's ability to efficiently exchange materials with the environment. This can lead to problems such as inadequate nutrient uptake and waste removal. Therefore, the ratio of surface area to volume is the major factor limiting cell size.

The Major Factor Limiting Cell Size Is the