answersLogoWhite

0

As a cell's size increases, more of its cytoplasm grows farther from the cell membrane. Once a molecule enters a cell, it is carried to its destination by a stream of moving cytoplasm, somewhat like the way currents in a river move a raft. But in a very large cell, the streams of cytoplasm must travel farther to bring materials to all parts of the cell. It would take much longer for a molecule to reach the center on a very large cell than it would a small cell. Likewise, it would take a long time for wastes to be removed. If a cell was too large, it would not be able to function correctly for it to survive.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What transport mechanism do one celled colonial and simple multicellular organisms rely on?

These organisms use simple diffusion as a transport mechanism.This is possible because of the small size of the organisms. Diffusion is effective over small distances but as size increases it becomes less and less efficient.


What is the effect of size of uptake on diffusion in agar?

larger the size, the smaller the surface area to volume ratio, hence the slower the rate of diffusion into the agar jelly :)


Why do unicellular organism do not need a system for transport a material?

Unicellular organisms are small and have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing for efficient diffusion of materials in and out of the cell. Their simple structure and small size means they can rely on diffusion to transport materials within the cell and with their environment without the need for a complex transport system like that found in multicellular organisms.


How do diffusion and osmosis limit the size of a cell?

Diffusion and osmosis limit the size of a cell by restricting the rate at which molecules can move across the cell membrane. As the cell grows larger, the distance that molecules must travel to reach the center of the cell increases, slowing down the process of nutrient intake and waste removal. This puts a cap on the cell's size and limits its ability to function efficiently.


What selects which molecules enter the cell?

The cell membrane selectively allows molecules to enter the cell through various processes such as passive diffusion, active transport, and facilitated diffusion. Selective permeability is maintained by membrane proteins that act as channels, carriers, or pumps to regulate the passage of specific molecules based on size, charge, and concentration gradients.

Related Questions

Does diffusion effect cell size?

Yes


What substance cannot be moved into a cell by osmosis or diffusion?

Large molecules such as proteins cannot be moved into a cell by osmosis or diffusion due to their size and charge. These molecules require specialized transport mechanisms such as active transport to enter the cell.


How does osmosis and diffusion limit the size of a cell?

diffusion and osmosis limit the size of a cell by how fast is can move


What transport mechanism do one celled colonial and simple multicellular organisms rely on?

These organisms use simple diffusion as a transport mechanism.This is possible because of the small size of the organisms. Diffusion is effective over small distances but as size increases it becomes less and less efficient.


What is the difference between diffusion and active transport refer to cell membrane and its properties?

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration, while active transport requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient. The cell membrane selectively allows certain molecules to pass through via diffusion, based on size and charge, while active transport uses specific protein pumps or channels to transport molecules across the membrane.


How does CO2 cross the cell membrane?

CO2 diffuses through the cell membrane by simple passive diffusion due to its small size and non-polarity. It moves from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.


How does material size affect the movement in and out of cells?

Material size can affect the movement in and out of cells by influencing the mechanisms involved in transport. Small molecules can easily pass through the cell membrane via simple diffusion, while larger molecules may require energy (active transport) or specific transport proteins (facilitated diffusion) to move in and out of cells. Size can also impact the rate of diffusion, with smaller molecules diffusing more quickly than larger ones.


How are nutrients absorbed by the intestine cells?

it depends on the nutrients and their size. some nutrients absorb via diffusion, others is facilitated diffusion (needs a carrier protein and no energy), and others are via active transport (needs energy and a protein channel).


What is the effect of size of uptake on diffusion in agar?

larger the size, the smaller the surface area to volume ratio, hence the slower the rate of diffusion into the agar jelly :)


Why do unicellular organism do not need a system for transport a material?

Unicellular organisms are small and have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing for efficient diffusion of materials in and out of the cell. Their simple structure and small size means they can rely on diffusion to transport materials within the cell and with their environment without the need for a complex transport system like that found in multicellular organisms.


What is A large glucose molecule requires facilitated diffusion but an oxygen molecule referring to?

A large glucose molecule requires facilitated diffusion because it is too big to pass through the cell membrane without assistance from transport proteins. In contrast, an oxygen molecule is small enough to diffuse freely across the cell membrane through simple diffusion due to its size and hydrophobic nature.


Why cell transport and cellular communicator factor that limit cell size?

The cellular transport and cellular communication factor that limit the cell size because all the materials that go in and out of a cell must pass through the plasma membrane.