Question

diffusion and cell size
surface area and volume
the rate of diffusion is influenced by its surface area - to - volume ratio. this ratio is important for cells because it influences diffusion efficiency. an increased surface area is important to cell structure, this is because it enhances both absorption and diffusion
size is an important factor that can affect diffusion in cells. as a cell grows larger, its volume increases more rapidly than its surface area because the volume inside of the cells is a cubed number while the surface area of the cells is a squared number.
if the volume increases, the rate of diffusion would decrease since there is more area to cover. if cell size decreases, then the surface area - to - volume ratio will increase. the opposite can be said if cell size increases. if cell size increases, then the surface area to volume ratio will decrease.
which of the following best describes cell size and efficiency in diffusion?
cell size doesnt matter.
bigger cells are most efficient.
medium cells are most efficient.
smaller cells are most efficient.

Explanation:

The text states that as a cell grows larger, its volume increases more rapidly than its surface area. A higher surface - area - to - volume ratio (which occurs in smaller cells) enhances diffusion efficiency because there is less volume to cover relative to the surface area for absorption and diffusion.

Answer:

Smaller cells are most efficient.