What limits the maximum size of a cell

The primary limitation on the size to which a single cell can grow is a mathematical principle called the surface to volume ratio. As the size of a three-dimensional object grows, its volume increases more rapidly than its surface does, which causes metabolic problems for cells. Additionally, the amount of cytoplasm the nucleus can contain and the structural limitations on the cell prevent them from being larger as well.

Factors limiting the size of cells include: Surface area to volume ratio. Nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. Fragility of cell membrane