Practice Question
1.Fill in the table below. The first row has been completed for you as an example
| Length (cm) | Surface area (cm2) | Volume (cm3) | Surface area:volume ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 1 | 6:1 |
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 |
| Length (cm) | Surface area (cm2) | Volume (cm3) | Surface area:volume ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 1 | 6:1 |
| 2 | 24 | 8 | 24:8 or 3:1 |
| 3 | 54 | 27 | 54:27 or 2:1 |
| 4 | 96 | 64 | 96:64 or 3:2 or 1.5:1 |
2. Describe the relationship between size of organism and its surface area to volume ratio.
As an organism becomes larger its surface area to volume ratio will decrease.
3. Single-celled (unicellular) organisms have a large surface area-to-volume ratio Explain why this is essential for their survival.
Single celled organisms rely on simple diffusion to obtain nutrients and remove waste products. Their large surface area to volume ratio allows them to obtain nutrients and remove waste products sufficiently to meet their needs.