What limits cell size?

Answer 1

I doubt that there is any limit to how large a cell can be. However, the cell's size really depends on the function of the cell. Generally, in the case of a single-celled microorganisms, the cells have to move materials (example, nutrients and wastes) across the cell membrane to stay alive. If the materials move in or out of the cell too slowly, for example the waste accumulates in the cell or the cell is unable to get its nutrients quickly, the cell will die. In order for the rate of diffusion of materials across the cell membrane be as efficient as possible, the cell has to increase its area of cell membrane per unit volume, which is to say, be as small as possible. As for the current largest cell, which is the ostrich egg, the function of the egg is NOT moving materials in and out of the cell surface membrane, but to protect the chick inside the egg and to contain the nutrients that will nourish the chick inside until the chick hatches. The chick needs a lot of nutrients and the chick is going to grow a lot in the egg, so the egg (cell) has to be rather large.

There is also an organism known as caulerpa, which is a meter long single-celled organism, but I have no idea why is it that huge.

Answer 2

cell size is limiteb by the ratio of the suface area to volume as the cell becomes longer this rate decreases at some size a cells suface area will become too small for materials to enter the cell quickly enough to meet the cells need

Answer 3

The space around the cell

Answer 4

The size of a cell is controlled by the hormones of organism. Size of cell growth is limited by the availability of space and nutrients available to it.

Answer 5

Its structure and horomones.

Answer 6

Volume.