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 the control of cell size, what most directly limits the maximum size of a cell as it grows larger?
A
A decreasing surface area-to-volume ratio that constrains nutrient uptake and waste removal across the plasma membrane
B
An increasing surface area-to-volume ratio that causes excessive loss of cytosolic proteins through the membrane
C
A fixed number of chromosomes that prevents additional gene transcription once the cell reaches a threshold volume
D
The inability of mitochondria to replicate, which stops ATP production entirely beyond a critical cell diameter
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the relationship between surface area and volume as a cell grows. The surface area of a cell increases with the square of its radius (or linear dimension), while the volume increases with the cube of its radius. This means volume grows faster than surface area as the cell enlarges.
Step 2: Recognize that the plasma membrane controls the exchange of nutrients and waste between the cell and its environment. The rate of exchange depends on the surface area available for diffusion or transport.
Step 3: Analyze how the surface area-to-volume ratio changes as the cell grows. Since volume increases faster than surface area, the surface area-to-volume ratio decreases, meaning less membrane area is available per unit volume of cytoplasm.
Step 4: Connect the decreasing surface area-to-volume ratio to the cell's ability to sustain itself. A lower ratio limits the efficiency of nutrient uptake and waste removal, which are critical for maintaining cellular functions.
Step 5: Conclude that this limitation on exchange across the plasma membrane due to a decreasing surface area-to-volume ratio is the primary factor that restricts the maximum size a cell can achieve.
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