Answer to Question #285713 in Cell Biology for Zafi

Question

The cells of an ant and a horse are roughly the same size; a horse is bigger simply because it has more. What is the main benefit for cells to be very small?

Answer 1

The surface area to volume ratio of small cells is maximized. Smaller cells have greater ratios, allowing more molecules and ions per unit of cytoplasmic volume to pass through the cell membrane. Because of their small size, little cells are able to get nutrients in and waste out quickly.

Small cells have an easy time diffusing through materials. Furthermore, the reduced size of the cells allows for easier transit of materials both inside and outside the cell. Small cells facilitate cell division and proliferation.