Essential Cell Biology, 4th Edition

Published by Garland Science
ISBN 10: 0815344546
ISBN 13: 978-0-81534-454-4

Chapter 1 - Cells: The Fundamental Units of Life - Questions - Page 38: Question 1-18

Answer

The volume and surface area of the animal cell are $1.77x10^{-15} m^3$ and $7.07x10^{-10} m^2$. For the bacterial cell the volume and surface area are $5.24x10^{-19} m^3$ and $3.14x10^{-12} m^2$.

Work Step by Step

The calculated surface and volume of both the bacterial and animal cell give us an approximate surface to volume ratio of $6x10^6 m^{-1}$ and $4x10^5 m^{-1}$. This means that while the animal cell has a 3375 fold volume, the membrane surface only increased 225 fold. Given that an internal membrane was included in the equation, the surface to volume ratios would be mostly equal.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.