Diffusion In Agar Cubes

3cmx2.5cmx2.5cm cube         1cmx1cmx1cm               Cube

 

Hypothesis :   The Lesser volume there is , the more efficient diffusion can be. Meaning a smaller cube will undergo diffusion quicker and more thoroughly than a larger cube

 

Data Table :

 

 

1)In terms of maximizing diffusion, what was the most effective size cube that you tested?

1- in terms of maximizing diffusion , my group and I found the 1 cm cube to be the most efficient and effective .

2-Why was that size most effective at maximizing diffusion? What are the important factors that affect how materials diffuse into cells or tissues?

 

The 1 cm cube was found to be the mos effective since it had a lesser volume than the rest of the cubes. We found out the smaller the cube is ( in terms of its volume) the more efficient it would be at diffusion since there is less volume and space to cover meaning the whole process would be faster . You can notice our 1 cm cube to be more pink and have a deeper contrast of the 3 cubes.

 

3-If a large surface area is helpful to cells, why do cells not grow to be very large?

 

The surface area to the volume ration gets smaller as the cells gets larger . Thus , if the cell grows beyond a certain limit , not enough material would be able to cross the membrane fast enough to accommodate the increased cellular volume.

 

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 one of these cubes is going to be the most effective at maximizing diffusion, how do you know this?

 

The cube that will be the most efficient at maximizing diffusion will be the cube that has a higher surface area to volume ratio of 4:1 because it has a higher surface area to volume ratio so it is more efficient. Having a higher surface area to volume ratio will ensure the inside of the cube will be the most effective at maximizing diffusion

 

5-  How does your body adapt surface area-to-volume ratios to help exchange gases?

 

Our bodies have adapted to have larger organs which are made up of small spheres which cover as much surface area as possible in order to more  efficiently exchange gases . Our body has a job of making sure a good surface area to volume area is established in areas where the gas exchange occurs. In order to accomplish this , large animals such as humans need special respiratory organs such as lungs for taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

 

6-  Why can’t certain cells, like bacteria, get to be the size of a small fish?

 

In order to maximize diffusion throughout cells , certain cells need to stay small for proper function, which means if a cell like bacteria was the size of a small fish , the surface area to volume ratio would be too small to ensure proposer and thorough diffusion throughout the cell

 

7-What are the advantages of large organisms being multicellular?

 

Multicellular organisms have many types of cells , while unicellular only have one cell. Multicellular organisms have specialized cells that engage in more complex physical and cognitive tasks than unicellular organisms .  Also , multicellular organisms have separate organ systems to perform special tasks . These systems , such as cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems perform life processes that are necesssary for survival .