Small cells are metabolically more active than bigger cells because of more surface area to volume ratio

of smaller cells. Small cells have more surface area compared to volume, thus rate of diffusion of nutrients and wastes across the cell membrane is faster.

Why are cells so small activity?

Cells remain small because all materials that are exchanged between the cell and its environment, like oxygen and glucose, must pass through the cell membrane. If materials cannot be exchanged efficiently, then the cell could die. In this activity, you will explore how surface area and volume limit the size of cells.

Why do highly active cells such as muscle cells tend to be small?

volume ratio and therefore the more efficiently it can allow diffusion to occur via its body. Muscles cells are required to be active and therefore need to be smaller in size so that they can fulfill their role in the human body.