Organism Size and Surface Area to Volume Ratio

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Questions and Answers

What is the relationship between the size of an organism and its surface area to volume ratio (SA:V)?

The SA:V decreases as the organism size increases

The SA:V is not related to the organism size

The SA:V is constant regardless of the organism size

The SA:V increases as the organism size increases (correct)

How does the metabolic rate change with respect to the surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) of an organism?

Metabolic rate increases as SA:V increases (correct)

Metabolic rate is independent of SA:V

Metabolic rate is inversely proportional to SA:V

Metabolic rate decreases as SA:V increases

Why do smaller animals with a high SA:V require a higher metabolic rate?

To generate more body mass

To reduce heat loss

To maintain a constant body temperature (correct)

To decrease their oxygen demand

What adaptations are needed by larger organisms due to their smaller SA:V?

They need specialized surface or organ for gaseous exchange Signup and view all the answers

What facilitates rapid diffusion across the body surface of a single-celled organism?

Short diffusion pathway Signup and view all the answers

Why do smaller organisms tend to have a higher surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) compared to larger organisms?

Smaller organisms have a larger surface area and smaller volume compared to larger organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of a higher surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) on the heat loss per unit body mass in smaller animals?

Heat loss per unit body mass increases as SA:V increases in smaller animals Signup and view all the answers

Why do larger organisms need a specialized surface or organ for gaseous exchange?

Larger organisms have a smaller surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) compared to smaller organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of the thin, flat shape of the body surface of a single-celled organism for rapid diffusion?

It provides a large surface area and short diffusion pathway for gases Signup and view all the answers

In the tracheal system of an insect, where does gas exchange take place directly with the cells?

Tracheoles Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

S phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of DNA replication being described as one strand from parental DNA and one strand newly synthesized in the daughter DNA?

Semi-conservative replication Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix during DNA replication?

DNA helicase Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of DNA polymerase in DNA replication?

Adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand Signup and view all the answers

Why are complementary base pairs important in DNA replication?

To enable identical copies of DNA to be created Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Surface Area to Volume Ratio (SA:V) and Metabolic Rate

As the size of an organism increases, its SA:V ratio decreases, leading to a lower metabolic rate.
Smaller animals with a high SA:V require a higher metabolic rate to maintain their bodily functions.
This is because a higher SA:V allows for a greater exchange of materials with the environment, but also increases heat loss per unit body mass.

Adaptations for Larger Organisms

Larger organisms need adaptations to overcome the limitations of their smaller SA:V, such as specialized surfaces or organs for gaseous exchange.

Diffusion in Single-Celled Organisms

The thin, flat shape of a single-celled organism's body surface facilitates rapid diffusion across the body.
This allows for efficient exchange of materials with the environment.

Tracheal System in Insects

In the tracheal system of an insect, gas exchange takes place directly with the cells in the tracheoles.

DNA Replication

DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle.
The process of DNA replication is described as semi-conservative, meaning one strand from parental DNA and one strand newly synthesized in the daughter DNA.
The enzyme helicase is responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix during DNA replication.
DNA polymerase is responsible for adding nucleotides to the template strands during DNA replication.
Complementary base pairs are important in DNA replication because they ensure the correct pairing of nucleotides during the replication process.

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Description

This quiz explores the relationship between an organism's size and its surface area to volume ratio, and how it affects metabolic rate. It also discusses the mathematical calculation of surface area to volume ratio and the impact on heat loss and respiration rate.