Why is surface to volume ratio important to organisms?

Answer 1

surface area to volume is an important concept in Biology because cells get their nutrients by difusing it in through their membranes so it is easier for a cell with a better S.A:V to difuse more stuff in in comparison to it's needs

Answer 2

this is the best i have.

The bigger the cell the more volume it has compared to the surface area. the bigger the volume of a cell the harder it is for the cell to divide.

(any one with a better answr plz post yours ><) -silver

i think that,

the importance of the surface are to volume ratio of a cell is to ensure the efficiency of the transport of the nutrient and waste substance through out the whole system since the surface area to volume increase.

just my opinion :)

Well i think that,

small cells function more efficiently than large cells. Small cells can exchange substances more readily than large cells because small objects have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio than larger objects. -Brainiac7375

if the cell's surface area-to-volume ratio is too low, substance cannot enter and leave the cell in numbers large enough to meet the cell's needs - hyperlight258

Answer 3

Small size is extremely important because it allows for a large surface area-to-volume ratio which allows for rapid uptake and intracellular distribution of nutrients and excretion of wastes. At low surface area-to-volume ratios the diffusion of nutrients and waste products across the bacterial cell membrane limits the rate at which microbial metabolism can occur, making the cell less evolutionarily fit. The reason for the existence of large cells is unknown, although it is speculated that the increased cell volume is used primarily for storage of excess nutrients.

Answer 4

The smaller a cell is, the higher the surface area to volume ratio it has. When the surface area to volume ratio is higher the materials that a cell needs can diffuse through it more quickly and efficiently, and the waste that it needs to get rid of can exit more quickly and efficiently. There is basically less space that the materials need to cover when the surface area to volume ratio is higher/ the surface area is less.

Answer 5

It is actually more important than people realize. If you have a 2 cm cube and cut that into 4 equal pieces than you will have 4 - six sided 1 cm cubes.

SA=6(1cmX1cm)X4= 24cm cubed. V=2cmX2cmX2cm= 8 cm cubed.

SA = 6(L X W) X number of pieces V = L X W x D

SA:V ratio = SA/V SA:V = 24/8 = 3:1

In order for a cell to survive it must maintain an adequate ratio between the cell's volume and its surface area. The surface area increases at a slower rate than the volume. Therefore, if the volume increases too quickly (by the plasma membrane doing its normal process of exchanging ions, gases, nutrients and waste) the cell will be unable to exchange the materials effectivly and the cell will die. However, most cells will divide at this point.

Answer 6

there isnt an advantage! at least i dont think there is.