Cube Lab Questions

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

1 cm size is the most effective at maximizing diffusion because it has the biggest surface area to the ratio of the volume.

You have three cubes, A, B, and C. They have surface to volume ratios of 3:1, 5:2, and 4:1 respectively. Which of these cubes is going to be the most effective at maximizing diffusion, how do you know this?

5:2 would be most effective, because it is the bigger ratio. This means it has a larger surface area to volume.

What are three advantages of large organisms being multicellular? What is one disadvantage?

Advantage: Have many different kinds of cells; and have separate organ systems to assist in transporting materials. Have longer lifespans as they can continue living when individual cells die. Disadvantage: Multicellular organisms need more food than unicellular organisms In multicellular organisms, cells are organized into tissues and tissues are further organised into organs. So, if one organ fails, then the whole organism can fail.

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

The bacteria needs efficient diffusion in order to sustain itself. If the bacteria grew larger, then its surface area to volume ratio would be reduced; making diffusion less efficient, and causing death to the bacteria.

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

The small size was easier to diffuse through because a smaller cube has a bigger surface area to volume ratio. The size of cells or tissues affect the surface area to volume ratio.

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

When a cell grows, its volume increases at a greater rate than its surface area. Its surface area to volume decreases.