Cell Structure and Function Question 2

Simple cuboidal epithelial cells line the ducts of certain human exocrine glands. Various materials are transported into or out of the cells by diffusion. (The formula for surface area of a cube is $6 \times S^2$ , and the formula for the volume of a cube is $S^3$ , where $S=$ the length of a side of the cube.)

Which of the following cube-shaped cells would be more efficient in removing waste by diffusion?

Approach

Calculate the surface area to volume ratio:

\frac{SA}{V} = \frac{6S^2}{S^3}

= \frac{6}{S}

The surface area to volume ratio decreases as the side $S$ increases.