On average, the cells in an adult animal are no larger than those of a younger animal, there are just more of them.
To produce more cells, the preexisting cells divide.
Two reasons why cells divide:
-The larger a cell gets, it places more demand on its DNA -The cell has more trouble moving nutrients and waste across the cell membrane.
Volume: a^3
Surface area: 6a^2
Volume: 64 Surface area: 96
Volume: 343 Surface area: 294
Volume: 729 Surface area: 486
-The smallest cell is the most efficient when maintaining homeostasis. -The largest cell is the least efficient when maintaining homeostasis because the cell has trouble moving nutrients and wastes across the cell membrane.
Controlling The Cell Cycle
The cell cycle consists of interphase, mitosis,and cytokinesis. During interphase, the cell grows and DNA is replicated. During mitosis the cell starts the division process. The four phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Cytokinesis occurs at the end of mitosis. During cytokinesis, the cytoplasm divides.