cell

[lohita]

Why is cell always small? why doesn't it grow bigger?

[James]

An excessively large cell would be inefficient in it's required functions, to prevent this, cells divide.

[Poison]

The cell must have a proper volume-surface area ratio to provide optimum transport.
Note that volume increases like x^3 but surface area increases like x^2.

[MrMistery]

There are bigger cells out there you know: the cells of an orange, or better yet a muscular fibre can reach 20 cm and a neuron about 1 meter. The conclusion we draw from here is that each cell has an optimum size for it's function

[lohita]

Thanks u guys

[sam-guy]

Cells have evolved to be efficient at what they do, to do this, over time they have altered the size of their cell, shape, surface molecules, and transport systems. Unless there is a selection need for larger cells then they wont be produced.

[EmmVeePee]

It's been said, but reworded, the cell can't diffuse enough nutrients to supply.the cell for survival because the surface area is so much less than the volume. A smaller cell has a surface area/volume ration that is closer to 1.

[biostudent84]

There are bigger cells out there you know: the cells of an orange, or better yet a muscular fibre can reach 20 cm and a neuron about 1 meter. The conclusion we draw from here is that each cell has an optimum size for it's function

Correct. But remember that the reason for these exceptions is that the benefit of a longer cell outweighs the drawbacks of inefficiency.