Why does a cell need to maintain its shape?

Cells need to maintain their shape for several reasons. The main reason is to have a high surface area-to-volume ratio. A high surface area-to-volume ratio allows for substances, like nutrients and secretions, to enter or exit the cell, as there is more surface area for molecules to diffuse. Cells ideally should be flat in shape and covered in villi for the surface area-to-volume ratio to be high. Without the cytoskeleton of the cell, it would naturally become spherical in shape. If a cell was to lose its shape, its efficiency and surface area-to-volume ratio would significantly be lowered. In plant cells, if a cell wall did not exist, the cell would grow weak and wilt. Additionally, in cells that do not keep their shape, their function can be altered and thus the cell can cause problems in the body. For example, sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that causes red blood cells to change shape and lead to health problems.