In spite of factors that tend to restrict cell size, some plant cells are very large. For example, some marine algae have cells almost as large as a chicken egg which of the following characteristics would favor the growth of large cells?
1- thin layer of cytoplasm inside the cell wall, with the rest of the interior filled by a central vacuole
2- thich cellulose cell wall that's sphereical in shape
3- single, large nucleus located near the center of the cell
4- growing as a unicellular organism attached to the ocean floor is close association with other bottom-dwelling organisms.
5- growing as part of a relatively large, unicellular plant attached to the ocean floor
number1
1 is the correct answer
The characteristics that would favor the growth of large cells in marine algae include:
1- Thin layer of cytoplasm inside the cell wall, with the rest of the interior filled by a central vacuole: Having a thin cytoplasmic layer allows more space for the central vacuole to expand, enabling the cell to grow larger.
3- Single, large nucleus located near the center of the cell: Having a single, large nucleus helps in controlling and coordinating cellular activities, allowing for efficient growth and maintenance of a larger cell.
4- Growing as a unicellular organism attached to the ocean floor in close association with other bottom-dwelling organisms: Being attached to the ocean floor and having close association with other organisms can provide physical support and resources for the larger cell, allowing it to grow.
5- Growing as part of a relatively large, unicellular plant attached to the ocean floor: Being part of a larger, multicellular plant provides structural support and resources for the individual cells to grow bigger.
However, the second option, a thick cellulose cell wall that's spherical in shape, does not favor the growth of large cells. A thicker cell wall restricts cell expansion and can limit cell size.
So, options 1, 3, 4, and 5 would favor the growth of large cells.
To determine which characteristic would favor the growth of large cells in plants, let's analyze each option and its relevance to cell size:
1. Thin layer of cytoplasm inside the cell wall, with the rest of the interior filled by a central vacuole: This characteristic is actually present in plant cells, where a large central vacuole contributes to cell enlargement. As the vacuole expands, it pushes the cytoplasm towards the periphery, allowing the cell to grow larger. Therefore, this option favors the growth of large cells.
2. Thick cellulose cell wall that's spherical in shape: The thickness of the cell wall does not directly affect cell size. The cell wall provides support and protection to the cell, but it does not influence the actual size of the cell. Additionally, the shape of the cell wall being spherical does not contribute to cell enlargement. Therefore, this option does not favor the growth of large cells.
3. Single, large nucleus located near the center of the cell: The size and location of the nucleus do not directly determine cell size. The nucleus contains genetic material and controls cellular functions but does not have a direct impact on the physical size of the cell. Hence, this option does not favor the growth of large cells.
4. Growing as a unicellular organism attached to the ocean floor in close association with other bottom-dwelling organisms: While this characteristic may influence the survival and ecological aspects of the organism, it does not directly contribute to cell size. The attachment to the ocean floor or association with other organisms does not affect the physical size of the cell. Therefore, this option does not favor the growth of large cells.
5. Growing as part of a relatively large, unicellular plant attached to the ocean floor: This characteristic suggests the presence of a multicellular plant, even though it is unicellular. In this case, the overall plant's attachment to the ocean floor indicates a more complex structure than a single cell. Consequently, this option does not favor the growth of large cells.
Based on the analysis, the characteristic that would favor the growth of large cells is option 1: thin layer of cytoplasm inside the cell wall, with the rest of the interior filled by a central vacuole.