Our lab data sheet

The 3cm by 3cm cube after diffusion

The 2cm by 2cm cube after diffusion

The 1cm by 1cm cube after diffusion

Hypothesis:

If the smallest cube gets added into the solution, then it would diffuse completely because it has the largest surface area to volume ratio

Questions:

1.    The most effective size for maximizing diffusion is the 1cm by 1cm cube because it absorbs the hydroxide solution to the extent where no clear areas are showing

2.       The smaller the size of the cube, the more the hydroxide solution gets absorbed into it. Surface area and volume are important factors that determine how materials get diffused into a cell; a higher surface area with a lower volume allows for a higher diffusion percent.

3.       A large surface area is beneficial for a high percent of diffusion, but so is a low volume. If the volume is too big, it would be difficult for a cell to fully diffuse (materials need to be able to reach all the way to the center of the cell); therefor, a smaller cell is initially better.

4.       Cube C would be the most effective because it has a large surface area and a low volume; the highest surface area to volume ratio.

5.       Our lungs contain air-filled sacs by the name of Alveoli, which have a large surface area to volume ratio; this allows gas exchange to occur quickly in our body.

6.       Bacteria is a single-celled organism, therefor a large cell (the size of a fish) would not be effective. Because of this trait, this cell needs to be small in order for everything to diffuse into it and essentially divide/reproduce.

7.       All the cells in our body have various functions; if we were composed of one single cell, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do as humans. In addition, multicellular organisms can grow, while single-celled organisms, such as bacteria, can only reproduce to make more of itself. The fact that we have many cells allows for us to grow big with the potential to do much more than simple, single-celled organisms.