Biology Forums - Study Force

What problems do larger cells need to overcome in order to exist? Two ways that larger cells circumvent this problem

They must overcome the fact that, as they get larger, their surface-to--volume ratio becomes so small that simple diffusion can't take care of their needs (there's not enough surface area for things to come and go in satisfactory quantities).

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Larger cells are fighting gravity, along with the gas-exchange limits of its membrane. Volume increases cubically, so eventually, at some size, the cell would starve.

An ostrich egg is one cell. It has a protein matrix (shell) that protects it and prevents it from spreading out over the floor.

Larger cells group together (eukaryotes) and attack the energy problem as a team. Blood basically delivers nutrients to every cell in your body, and every cell has its specific function, all of which are essential to the survival of each other.

Larger cells don't have a high surface area to volume ratio, so diffusion is limited. They can overcome this by using a plasma membrane that has many folds or with cilia/pili.

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