Why is the smaller volume of a cell better?
Posted December 15, 2023
Smaller cells possess a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing for more efficient diffusion of oxygen and nutrients to enter the cell and to release toxins out of the cell. This is essential for the metabolism of the cell and for its survival. If several small cells collectively held the same volume as a single large cell, their combined surface area would be greater than that of the larger cell. Another reason why a cell with a smaller volume is ideal is because it makes them easier to replace without causing major disruptions in the body’s processes. Small cells are able to divide and replicate more efficiently, aiding in tissue repair and regeneration. Prokaryotes are generally only several micrometers in length, while eukaryotes are typically tens of micrometers. There are only a small minority of cells larger than 100 micrometers in length.