Many chemical and physical processes, including biochemical ones, take place at the surface of cells. Therefore, increasing the surface area will increase the rate of the processes, whereas more compact shapes will slow down the process.
Chat with our AI personalities
For example, the amount of nutrients a cell can absorb are proportional to its surface area.
All chemical reactions take place on surfaces = so very important
so it can get more sun
It is not always the case. If you are out in the cold with insufficient clothing, the important thing - to prevent hypothermia - is to MINIMISE the surface to volume ratio.
Fungi make their food via absorption, and a large surface area makes nutrient absorption extremely efficient.