1. In terms of maximizing diffusion, what was the most effective size cube that you tested?
The most effective cube that my group tested was our smallest cube. It had a high SA to V ratio of 1.5 and a diffusion percentage of 76.
2. Why was that size most effective at maximizing diffusion? What are the important factors that affect how materials diffuse into cells or tissues?
This cube size was most effective because the size of the small cube allowed for a faster diffusion time than that of the larger cubes due to the SA to V ratio and the NaOH had diffused into the agar cube effectively.
3. If a large surface area is helpful to cells, why do cells not grow to be very large?
During the process of cell growth, the SA to V ratio changes by the volume of the cell grow fast than the surface area. In turn, the cell remains small due to the effectiveness of the cells decreasing. If there is a small SA to V ratio, it is more difficult for the cell to diffuse properly.
4. You have three cubes, A, B, and C. They have surface to volume ratios of 3:1, 5:2, and 4:1 respectively. Which of these cubes is going to be the most effective at maximizing diffusion, how do you know this?
The most effective cube at maximizing diffusion would be the 4:1 ratioo cube due to the high SA ability to enable reactions and have faster relations due to low volume in the cube.
5. How does your body adapt surface area-to-volume ratios to help exchange gases?
Our bodies use cells that have a slender or elongated shape in order to adapt SA to V ratios. In addition, the cell helps gas exchange by use of the fold at the cell membrane.
6. Why can’t certain cells, like bacteria, get to be the size of a small fish?
The possibility of a cell being that of the size of a fish would result in an inefficient cell and it would not be able to diffuse materials as well as that how a smaller cell could. When a cell divides to have a high SA to V ratio, it allows the cell to work efficiently.
7. What are the advantages of large organisms being multicellular?
An advantage of large organisms being multicellular is that it will help raise diffusion rates in the body because they may have a high SA to V ratio.