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

Most human cells range from 10 to 15 micrometers in diameter. What primarily limits how large a cell can get?

The availability of ribosomes

The number of mitochondria present

The amount of DNA in the nucleus

The ratio of surface area to volume

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the problem: The question is asking what limits the size of a cell. This is a fundamental concept in cell biology related to the physical and functional constraints of cells.

Recall the concept of surface area-to-volume ratio: As a cell grows, its volume increases faster than its surface area. This is because volume scales with the cube of the radius (r³), while surface area scales with the square of the radius (r²).

Explain why this ratio is important: The surface area of a cell is critical for exchanging materials (e.g., nutrients, oxygen, and waste) with its environment. A lower surface area-to-volume ratio means the cell's surface becomes less efficient at supporting the metabolic needs of its larger volume.

Eliminate incorrect options: The availability of ribosomes, the number of mitochondria, and the amount of DNA in the nucleus are important for cellular function but do not directly limit cell size. These factors are more related to the cell's internal machinery rather than its physical constraints.

Conclude with the correct answer: The primary factor limiting cell size is the surface area-to-volume ratio, as it directly impacts the cell's ability to maintain homeostasis and exchange materials efficiently.