Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

1. Overview of Cell Biology

Properties of the Cell

Cell Biology

1. Overview of Cell Biology

Properties of the Cell

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following parameters is most likely to limit the maximum size of a cell?

The number of mitochondria

The surface area-to-volume ratio

The amount of DNA in the nucleus

The concentration of ribosomes

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the problem: The question is asking which parameter limits the maximum size of a cell. This involves understanding the relationship between cell size and its functional constraints.

Recall the concept of surface area-to-volume ratio: As a cell grows larger, its volume increases faster than its surface area. This ratio is critical because the surface area determines the cell's ability to exchange materials (e.g., nutrients, waste) with its environment, while the volume represents the cell's metabolic demands.

Analyze the options: Evaluate each parameter in the context of cell size. For example, the number of mitochondria or ribosomes can increase as the cell grows, and the amount of DNA in the nucleus is not directly related to cell size. However, the surface area-to-volume ratio imposes a physical limitation on how large a cell can grow while maintaining efficient exchange of materials.

Connect the concept to the correct answer: The surface area-to-volume ratio is the most likely parameter to limit cell size because it directly impacts the cell's ability to sustain itself. A low ratio in larger cells would hinder the exchange of essential substances, leading to inefficiency.

Conclude: The correct answer is 'The surface area-to-volume ratio,' as it is the primary factor that limits the maximum size of a cell due to its impact on material exchange and metabolic efficiency.