Glossary
Cell Size
The physical dimensions of a cell, which are typically very small to optimize efficiency in material exchange.
Example:
A single-celled bacterium maintains a small cell size to quickly absorb nutrients and divide rapidly.
Cellular Function
The collective processes and activities carried out by a cell to maintain life, grow, reproduce, and respond to its environment.
Example:
Maintaining a high SA/V ratio directly supports optimal cellular function by ensuring timely delivery of resources and removal of waste products.
Nutrient and Waste Exchange
The vital process by which cells take in necessary substances like glucose and oxygen, and expel metabolic byproducts such as carbon dioxide and urea.
Example:
Efficient nutrient and waste exchange is critical for a neuron to maintain its electrochemical gradients and transmit signals effectively.
Surface Area (SA)
The total outer boundary of a cell, acting as the interface through which nutrients enter and waste products exit.
Example:
The highly folded inner membrane of mitochondria increases its surface area for the electron transport chain.
Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA/V Ratio)
The mathematical relationship between a cell's surface area and its volume, which is crucial for efficient material transport and cellular function.
Example:
A high surface area to volume ratio is why intestinal cells have microvilli, maximizing nutrient absorption from digested food.
Volume (V)
The total space occupied by the cell's internal contents, where metabolic activities and cellular processes occur.
Example:
As a cell grows, its volume increases faster than its surface area, making it harder to supply the interior.