answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

If the cells are spherical, the surface area increases as the square of the radius while the volume increases as the cube of the radius. Therefore, as the cells become larger, their volumes increase much more rapidly than their surface areas. Conversely, as the cells become smaller, their volumes decrease much more rapidly that their areas and so the surface area to volume increase.

With non-spherical cells the calculations are much more complex, but the general pattern still applies.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do smaller cells have a greater surface area to volume ratio?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Which has the greater surface area one large cell or 27 smaller cells?

If the smaller cells' total volume is at least that of the larger cell then the smaller cells have the greater surface area.


Why are groups of a small cells better than one large cell at moving material in and out?

they have a greater surface-to-volume ratio


Which statements about the ratio of cell surface area to cell volume is are correct?

Larger cells will have a greater surface area-to-volume.


Which cell has the greater surface area compared to its volume the large cell or one of the smaller cells?

A smaller cell has a higher surface area to volume ratio. A reason for this is volume is cubic (3D) and surface area is 2D so when surface area increases a little bit, the volume increases exponentially. And when the surface area shrinks a little bit, the volume decreases exponentially.


What happens to a cells surface area to volume ratio as it gets smaller?

It increases.


Is true that small cells have larger surface area to volume rations than do larger cells?

Cell have a greater surface area to volume rations than a larger cell.


Do cells divide to have a smaller surface area?

No. In fact, if they retain their combined volume, their surface area would increase.


What is advantage of having many small cells instead of one small cell?

With smaller cells, there is a greater surface area.


what Plant cells often have smaller surface-to-volume ratios than animal cells. How do the plant cells overcome this issue?

Plant cells overcome the issue of smaller surface-to-volume ratios with the help of the central vacuole. The vacuole pushes the organelles and other cellular materials toward the outer edges of the cell


Why are small cells better then large cells for moving materials through membranes?

small cells have a greater surface-to-volume ratio than larger cells.


what is the advantage of having many small cells instead of one large cell?

With smaller cells, there is a greater surface area.


What would work more efficiently 100 small cells 100 medium cells or 100 large cells 100 huge cells?

Cells are most efficient when they a greater surface area and smaller volume. The larger a cell gets, the more difficult transport becomes and the longer it takes to reach homeostasis. !00 smaller (Faster) cells are the most efficient of the options given.