Biology 2010 Student Edition

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 9780133669510
ISBN 13: 978-0-13366-951-0

Chapter 10, Cell Growth and Division - 10.1 - Cell Growth, Division, and Reproduction - 10.1 Assessment - Page 278: 1a

Answer

The large cell will not have enough DNA, and the surface area to volume ratio will be unideal for diffusion across the membrane.

Work Step by Step

When a cell grows, its size increases but its DNA molecule does not. Thus, there is not enough DNA to process all the required functions for a cell that is too large. Additionally, when a cell gets too large, its volume overwhelms its surface area. Thus, not enough diffusion across the membrane occurs, and the cell will not have enough nutrients and minerals to survive.
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