Question

1. eukaryotic cells can reach above 100μm in diameter, while prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, remain small, reaching only to about 10μm in diameter. explain how eukaryotic cells are able to become so much larger than prokaryotic cells while still efficiently exchanging material through the plasma membrane.

Explanation:

Eukaryotic cells have internal membrane - bound organelles that increase the surface - area - to - volume ratio for efficient material exchange. Organelles like mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum compartmentalize functions. Also, they have a cytoskeleton that helps in transporting materials within the cell, enabling them to be larger while still being efficient in material exchange through the plasma membrane. Prokaryotic cells lack such internal compartmentalization and an extensive transport system, limiting their size.

Answer:

Eukaryotic cells have internal organelles and a cytoskeleton that aid in efficient material exchange despite being larger. Prokaryotic cells lack such features, limiting their size.