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Anyone out there have a general idea/range of the weight of a typical eukaryotic cell? I found that E coli is at about 665 femtograms, but I'm more interested in mammalian cells.
DocToxyn said:If a femtogram is 10-15 g, that would put 10-19 in the attogram range, which would then make the mammalian cell smaller (of less mass) than E. coli, which I don’t think it is.
The average weight of a single mammalian cell can vary depending on the type of cell. On average, a mammalian cell can weigh anywhere from 1 to 100 picograms (pg). For comparison, a grain of table salt weighs about 58,000 pg.
Mammalian cells tend to be larger and heavier than other types of cells, such as bacteria or yeast cells. This is because mammalian cells have more complex structures and organelles, such as a nucleus and multiple membrane-bound organelles, which contribute to their weight.
Yes, the weight of a mammalian cell can change depending on various factors such as cell growth, division, and metabolism. For example, a cell may increase in weight as it takes in nutrients and grows, and then decrease in weight as it divides into two daughter cells.
The weight of a single mammalian cell can be measured using specialized equipment, such as a microbalance or a flow cytometer. These instruments use sensitive scales and lasers to measure the weight and size of individual cells.
Knowing the weight of a single mammalian cell is important for various reasons. It can help scientists better understand cell structure and function, as well as track changes in cell weight during different biological processes. Additionally, the weight of a cell can provide insights into its health and potential abnormalities, which can be useful in medical research and diagnosis.