Question

imits to cell size
comparing cells

1. if the cubes you just saw

were cells, which one would
have the greatest ratio of
cell membrane surface area
relative to the volume of its
cytoplasm?
a. the small cube
b. the medium
cube
c. the large cube
| surface area
(length × width) × 6 sides | volume
(length × width × height) | ratio of surface
area to volume

2 cm × 2 cm × 6 = 24 cm²

2 cm × 2 cm × 2 cm = 8 cm³

2 cm

2 cm
2 cm
24/8 = 3:1

4 cm × 4 cm × 6 = 96 cm²

4 cm × 4 cm × 4 cm = 64 cm³

4 cm

4 cm
4 cm
96/64 = 1.5:1

6 cm × 6 cm × 6 = 216 cm²

6 cm × 6 cm × 6 cm = 216 cm³

6 cm

6 cm
6 cm
216/216 = 1:1

Explanation:

Compare the surface area to volume ratios of the three cubes: the small cube has a 3:1 ratio, the medium cube has a 1.5:1 ratio, and the large cube has a 1:1 ratio. The highest ratio corresponds to the cube with the greatest surface area relative to its volume.

Answer:

A. The small cube