Bacterial cells have a much higher rate of metabolism than animal cells. Under ideal conditions some bacteria double in size and divide every 20 min, whereas most animal cells under rapid growth conditions require 24 hours. The high rate of bacterial metabolism requires a high ratio of cell surface area to cell volume. Select the statement (s) that describe how a large surface area to volume ratio (SA: V) favors a faster metabolism. - A large SA: V increases the diffusion rate, preventing buildup of waste products in the cell. - A large SA: V traps more heat energy in the cell, resulting in a higher rate of metabolism. - Increased cell-cell contact and exchange of macromolecules occurs as SA: V increases. - Rapid diffusion of nutrients into the cell requires a large SA: V.

A large SA: V increases the diffusion rate, preventing the buildup of waste products in the cell The rapid diffusion of nutrients into the cell requires a large SA: V

Explanation:

For cells to grow they need energy. They get energy from the hydrolysis of compounds such as glucose. The faster the metabolism of the cell, the more glucose it needs to breakdown per unit time. This is the case for bacteria cell. They, therefore, need to uptake glucose rapidly hence their large surface-to-volume ratio is an advantage.

During metabolism, the breakdown of these energy molecules leads to production of byproducts that need to be eliminated from the cell to prevent toxicity. Cell with high metabolism produce these byproducts at a higher rate hence the need to eliminate them even faster. A large surface area - to volume ratio, such as in bacteria, allow to accomplishing this effectively.