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Biology/Surface area

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Expert: - 3/13/2007


Question
What might be the disadvantage of having a large volume?

Answer
 Hi sunny
Assuming you are thinking about cell volumes: There is a ratio between cell volume and surface area.  As the cell size (volume ) increases the SA-VOL ratio decreases but the larger cell volume increases metabolic activity and all materials must pass through the surface area.  The cell volume increases and the metabolic needs also increase but the surface necessary has decreased.  The cell must divide

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Walter Hintz

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Science teacher for over 50 years. MSc. in biology. I can answer questions in general biology, zoology, botany, anatomy and physiology and biochemistry.

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I have a MSc in biology and have been a science teacher for over 50 years. At present I am a faculty member at a college and a science consultant at seven catholic schools.

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The Ohio journal of Science
Momentum-The Journal of the Catholic Education Association

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