Question

Why does membrane transport limit cell size?

Answer 1

Membrane transport allows the movement of the solutes, ions and certain substances across the cell membrane. A small cell has a larger surface area to volume ratio which is beneficial to the transport across cell membrane. More substance can be moved which are essential for the survival of the cell. If the cell size increases, it may damage the cell membrane. Hence, the membrane transport limits the cell size. At a certain point when the cell reaches it's maximum size, the material cannot be transported rapidly. This is the time when the cell need to divide to again get back to the limited cell size.