Why are cells microscopic?
Subject > Science Essays > Chemistry
Why is a cell microscopic?By Lachlan BryantThis research assignment will discuss why cells are usually microscopic in size, given that they need to be able to exchange material with their surrounding environment.
The cell is highly organised with many functional units or organelles (Spurger).A membrane is a fluid mosaic which consists of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates which seperates the cell from its surrounding environment or subdivides a cell into specialised regions or compartments (Watters). The membrane is specialised in that it contains the specific proteins and lipid components that it requires in order to fulfil the requirements needed by that organelle or cell. Membranes are vital for the integrity and function of a cell.
Lipids are the one class of large ...
... The reason a cell is microscopic is simply smaller is faster. This is true both in terms of diffusion and in terms of chemical and electrical movement. By decreasing the distance between a cells nucleus and the many proteins and organelles that it constantly has to regulate, the cell is maximising the speed in which intercellular communication can take place while providing the perfect conditions for diffusion. Like wise, the surface area and volume of a cell are directly influential in the efficiency of the cells nutrient absorption and waste excretion system. The membrane of a eukaryotic cell is its only form of absorbtion therefore its surface area must be large enough to allow
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