How do cells function?

Surface are to Volume Ratio

Outcome

By the end of the lesson you will understand surface area to volume ratio and how it influences cell size and function.

Explain

The simple relationship between any object's surface area and volume infiltrates every field of science and engineering.

It's a major factor in the shape and size of everything from plants and animals to skyscrapers.

It puts the ceiling on how big a living cell can be, makes otherwise innocuous baking ingredients explosive, and it's the reason your intestines are the size of a tennis court.