Cells are limited in how large they can be. It doesn't matter if they are plant or animal cells, both can only be so large. Since all materials enter and leave cells through the membrane, the amount of membrane or surface area affects how large the cell can be.
 
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑  What determines how large a cell can be?
❑  How do nutrients get into cells?
❑  Which are the largest cells we know of and what are their shapes?
 
Once students try this activity, they can capture their observations using the included Lab Notes or probing questions included in the instructions. 
 
Concepts Addressed
♦  Nutrients diffuse through cell membranes.
♦  Cell size is limited by how close a cell center is to its membrane (where the nutrients enter).
 
Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.
 
Materials Needed   Agar, food coloring, timer, plastic knives
 
Prep Time  Prepare agar at least a day ahead.
 
Teaching Time   About 40 mins depending on accompanying writing assignment.
 
Student Sheets   Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting 
 
Connect with me… If you have questions or problems, please let me know in the Q&A section and I’ll get back to you asap.
 
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