Question 1: Define surface area and volume in relation to a biological cell.

Answer: Surface area is the total area covered by the cell's outer surface; volume is the amount of space contained within the cell.

Question 2: Why is a high surface area to volume ratio important for cells?

Answer: A higher ratio allows for more efficient exchange of materials like nutrients and waste with the environment.

Question 3: Calculate the surface area to volume ratio of a cube-shaped cell that measures 2 micrometers on each side.

Answer: Surface area = 6 x (2)^2 = 24 μm²; Volume = (2)^3 = 8 μm³; Ratio = 24/8 = 3 μm⁻¹

Question 4: A spherical cell has a radius of 1 micrometer. Calculate its surface area to volume ratio. (Use 4πr² for surface area and (4/3)πr³ for volume). Provide your answer rounded to two decimal places.

Answer: Surface area = 4π(1)^2 ≈ 12.57 μm²; Volume = (4/3)π(1)^3 ≈ 4.19 μm³; Ratio ≈ 12.57/4.19 ≈ 3.00

Question 5: Explain how a cell's shape can influence its surface area to volume ratio.

Answer: Cells with irregular or elongated shapes have a higher surface area relative to volume, which can enhance transport efficiency.

Question 6: Describe a practical experiment to measure the surface area to volume ratio of a small object, such as a piece of potato.

Answer: Students can measure the dimensions of the object, calculate surface area and volume using geometric formulas, then determine the ratio to analyze how size affects surface area to volume.

Question 7: Identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment that tests the effect of cell size on nutrient absorption.

Answer: Independent variable: Cell size; Dependent variable: Rate of nutrient absorption.

Question 8: Which of the following shapes has the highest surface area to volume ratio? A) Sphere B) Cube C) Long, thin cylinder D) Flat sheet

Answer: C) Long, thin cylinder

Question 9: Fill in the blank: Cells need a large surface area relative to their volume to facilitate efficient __________ and __________ exchange.

Answer: nutrient; waste

Question 10: In the context of cell transport, explain how the surface area to volume ratio impacts the size of cells in multicellular organisms.

Answer: In multicellular organisms, cells tend to be small to maintain a high surface area to volume ratio, which allows efficient exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste, supporting proper cell function and overall organism health.