Question

Can a cell get too big?

Answer 1

Children's cells divide faster than cells in adults. If a cell gets too big it's volume increases faster than its surface area. If the cell gets too big the there is not enough surface area for the cell to transport nutrients and waste.The important point is that the surface area to the volume ratio gets smaller as the cell gets larger. Thus, if the cell grows beyond a certain limit, not enough material will be able to cross the membrane fast enough to accommodate the increased cellular volume.