Why do cells require a large surface-to-volume ratio?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nutrient and gas exchange. Cells require a large surface-to-volume ratio to efficiently exchange nutrients and gases with their environment. With a larger surface area, cells can absorb more nutrients and oxygen while expelling waste and carbon dioxide more effectively.
Rationale:
1. Nutrient exchange: A larger surface area allows for more nutrient absorption, essential for cell metabolism and function.
2. Gas exchange: A high surface-to-volume ratio facilitates the exchange of gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide necessary for cellular respiration.
3. Efficiency: Cells need to maintain a balance between surface area and volume to ensure optimal nutrient and gas exchange.
4. Other choices:
- A: Complexity is not directly related to the surface-to-volume ratio.
- B: Compartmentalization refers to the organization of organelles within a cell, not the surface-to-volume ratio.
- C: While size of organelles can affect cell function, it is not the primary reason for requiring a
Nokea