Which of the following is/are likely to limit the maximum size of a cell?

• A. The time it takes a molecule to diffuse across a cell
• B. The cell's surface-to-volume ratio
• C. The shape of the cell
• D. None of the choices is correct.
• E. All of the choices are correct.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Consider the process of diffusion: Molecules move from areas of high concentration to low concentration. In larger cells, it takes longer for molecules to diffuse across the cell, which can limit cell size.
2. Examine the surface-to-volume ratio: As a cell grows, its volume increases faster than its surface area, reducing the surface-to-volume ratio. This affects the cell's ability to transport materials in and out efficiently, thus limiting size.
3. Analyze the shape of the cell: Different shapes can influence how efficiently a cell can exchange materials with its environment. For example, elongated or flattened shapes can increase surface area relative to volume, affecting size limitations.
4. Evaluate the option 'None of the choices is correct': Consider whether any of the factors mentioned could indeed limit cell size, which would make this option incorrect.
5. Conclude that all the factors listed (diffusion time, surface-to-volume ratio, and cell shape) can contribute to limiting the maximum size of a cell, making the statement 'All of the choices are correct' valid.