Cell size

[Dzenner]

OKay I ama new here and taking my first biology class, and havign a real hard time. My question is how does overall cell size affect cell processes like diffusion and osmosis. ? Thanks for any help you can give.

[mith]

Yes, this is a simple math problem. Since cells do not have a circulatory system, the speed of osmosis and diffusion(therefore cell processes) depends upon surface area. Examine the surface area to volume ratio for different sizes. Also try them for different shapes.

[2810712]

how does overall cell size affect cell processes like diffusion and osmosis. ?
Larger the surface area more wud be the diffusion rate & osmosis rate But this doesn't apply to facilitated diffusion , DOES THIS ?

[mith]

I would think that a larger surface area would also allow more facilitated diffusion proteins to be present near the surface.

[2810712]

Does this mean that the cell wud produce more integral proteins if it has a more surface area ?
hrushikesh

[biostudent84]

More in number, yes, due to the larger surface area. However, there would be RELATIVELY LESS proteins in larger cells due to size vs. surface area ratio.

[thank.darwin]

Diffusion will still occur but it will take much longer becuse a cells surface volume ratio.
Osmosis will not be affected... in better terms whether or not water will be able to cross the cell membrane will not be affected by cell size.

[biostudent84]

Osmosis will certainly be affected. Relative rate is changed...not the ability for it to occur, thank.darwin...

[2810712]

[quote="Osmosis will not be affected....[/quote]
in better terms whether or not water will be able to cross the cell membrane will not be affected by cell size
Do water molecules diffuse thru the cell membr. I think They also cross membr. thru proteins - THE AQUAPORINS. but,[is it the only way? ] then because the protein cintent of the membrane is affected by volume : surface ration , the osmosis will also be affected by it.

hrushikesh

[thank.darwin]

Osmosis will certainly be affected. Relative rate is changed...not the ability for it to occur, thank.darwin...

Thank you for correcting me

[DAP]

what a surface area??