If there are two cells, and one is the shape of a star and the other is a sphere, which will be...?

Question

the most efficient at exchanging materials with its environment. Assume that all of the shapes have the same volume.

Answer 1

star? idk

Answer 2

The star.

A sphere is the most economical shape if you want to maximize your volume for a specific surface area... i.e. if the contents are more important than the shell. But if you want efficiency of material transport and exchange then you want to maximize the surface area (i.e. the shell) for a specific volume.

Since material exchange is entirely dependent on the amount of surface area available, the increased surface area for volume of the star shape will allow more efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Answer 3

The star shape is theoretically the most efficient shape for exchanging materials with the environment because it has a greater surface area. This is similar to plan roots, which have branches to increase the surface area, which allows for greater absorption of nutrients. However, it is hard for a normal animal cell to maintain such a shape, and thus the sphere shape is the most common in animal cells, since it requires the least energy to maintain. Nevertheless, certain animal cells and protozoa projects "limbs" called pseudopods when they want to "reach" out at something, which is a similar idea.

Answer 4

A sphere. Mother nature figured that out long ago. That's why cells are more spherical than star shaped. If you think a star shape has more surface area with which to react, you would be right, but it wouldn't make it more efficient, rather, less efficient. that's because those acute angles wouldn't be suited to efficient exchange. Or a different process would have to take place. No such problem on a uniform spherical cell.

Answer 5

I think sphere, because most cells take circular or rectangular shapes, not oddly shaped pointy ones.

Answer 6

The star,it has more surface area!