Multiple Choice
Which of the following factors is not responsible for controlling cell division, size, or survival?
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16. Cell Division
Control of Cell Size
Multiple Choice
In the context of control of cell size, the size of a cell is limited primarily by the:
A
number of mitochondria, which strictly determines the maximum cell diameter
B
surface area-to-volume ratio, which constrains exchange of nutrients, gases, and wastes across the plasma membrane
C
amount of extracellular matrix, which sets an upper limit on intracellular diffusion distance
D
plasma membrane fluidity, which directly determines cytoplasmic volume
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that cell size is influenced by the ability of the cell to exchange materials such as nutrients, gases, and wastes with its environment.
Recall that the plasma membrane controls this exchange, and the efficiency depends on the surface area available for diffusion relative to the volume of the cell that requires these materials.
Recognize that as a cell grows larger, its volume increases faster than its surface area, leading to a decreased surface area-to-volume ratio.
Understand that a lower surface area-to-volume ratio limits the rate at which materials can enter or leave the cell, thus constraining the maximum size the cell can achieve.
Conclude that the surface area-to-volume ratio is the primary factor limiting cell size, rather than factors like the number of mitochondria, extracellular matrix amount, or plasma membrane fluidity.
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