Why are cells microscopic?

Question

Why are cells microscopic?

Answer 1

if they weren't, imagine how big your your nose would be!

Answer 2

because they can only be seen with microscope.

Answer 3

Because they are minute particles!

Answer 4

1. Many molecules inside the cell move by diffusion. In a hypothetical monster cell it would take too long for these materials to diffuse. In a true cell diffusion is a very quick method of transport.

2. As the diameter of a cell increases its surface area increases by a power of two and its volume by a power of three. Thus you have a rapidly expanding cytoplasm (volume) full of organelles that demand materials imported by the cell membrane. The membrane (surface area) is growing much less rapidly than the cytoplasm, and cannot support the large cytoplasm.

Answer 5

because of the surface area to volume ratio...

cells take in food and communicate with their environment through their outer membrane.  If the cell becomes too large, there is too much cell for the amount of membrane available and they can't get adequate nourishment.  Also, aside from molecules that are actively transported across the cell membrane, movement within the cell occurs by diffusion.  If the cell is large, the diffusion would take too long and become inefficient

Answer 6

its gives them the highest surface-area to mass ration, which means that it is easier for them to absorb all the materials they need to live. If they were larger, areas not on the edge of the cell would not be able to receive the nutrients to stay alive.