LAB
Questions for Why Are Cells So Small?
Part 1: Observation and calculations on two three-dimensional objects
.
1. Examining the two cubes in your kit:
Table 1
Dice Dimensions Surface Area
(cubes) (Length, width, # of sides x
and height) length x width
Example: length = 3 mm 6 sides x 3 x 3 =
Cube = 3 mm width = 3 mm 54 mm?
height = 3 mm
Volume
Length x width
x height
Ratio
(surface area/
volume)
Im
=
54/27 (Divide
the surface area
by the volume.
The ratio is that
number over 1.)
2/1 ratio
Small dice
5 mm
-
Large dice
16 mm
2. Consider the information in the chart above. (Remember: a higher ratio is better for
diffusion.) As the volume increased:
a. What happened to the ratio?
b. If these cubes were cells, which ratio would make diffusion easier?
c. Which size cube would make a more efficient cell?