For this activity, we had to make cube shaped models to represent cells. Then we had to compare aurafve area, volume, and surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) between the cells.
Cell A:
length of one side=1cm
Surface area= 6cm^2
Volume= 1cm^3
SA:V= 6
Cell B:
Length of one side= 2cm
Surface area= 24cm
Volume=8cm
SA:V=3
cell C:
length of one side= 3cm
Surface area=54cm
Volume=27cm
SA:V=2
Cell D:
Length of one side=4
Surface area=96cm
Volume=6cm
SA:V=1.5
1) What does it mean if the surface area to volume ratio is less than one?
It means that the cell is larger enough to t nutrients get into it. It also means that it has a larger surface area and volume.
2) What does it mean if the surface area to volume ratio is greater than one?
It means that the cell is small so less nutrients can get into it. It also means that it has a smaller surface area and volume.
3) What does it mean if the surface area to volume ratio is equal to one?
It means that the cell is perfectly fine as it is balanced.
Am I correct, I'm not too sure
Yes, you are partially correct in your explanations of what it means when the surface area to volume ratio is less than one or greater than one. However, your explanation for when the ratio is equal to one is not accurate.
To clarify:
1) When the surface area to volume ratio is less than one (SA:V < 1), it means that the cell has a smaller surface area relative to its volume. This could imply that the cell is larger in size compared to its needs for nutrient exchange. It may have a harder time receiving nutrients and eliminating waste due to its smaller surface area available for exchange.
2) When the surface area to volume ratio is greater than one (SA:V > 1), it means that the cell has a larger surface area relative to its volume. This could imply that the cell is smaller in size and more efficient in nutrient exchange. It has a larger surface area available for exchange relative to its volume, allowing for a higher rate of nutrient absorption and waste elimination.
3) When the surface area to volume ratio is equal to one (SA:V = 1), it means that the cell has an ideal balance between its surface area and volume. This ratio suggests that the cell has an adequate amount of surface area to support its volume and nutrient exchange needs.
Overall, the surface area to volume ratio is an important factor in understanding how efficiently a cell can exchange nutrients and waste, and it can provide insights into the size and functionality of the cell.