What Limits the Maximum Size of a Cell?

[sharkey1314]

Homework Statement

The maximum size to which a cell may grow is limited by the cell's ?

Homework Equations

NIL

The Attempt at a Solution

It's a multiple-choice question... so i picked nucleus. My argument is that the nucleus controls the internal functions of the cell. However, according to the answers, it is cell surface membrane. Any reasons? Thanks a million in advance.

 

[Kracatoan]

This sounds like one of those questions where the answer depends of your frame of mind.

In your view, you have correctly stated that the nucleus limits the size a cell can grow to because it controls growth and everything like that. And that answer is perfectly acceptable in a biological way.

But, I can see why the cell membrane is stated as the answer - simply, if the cell tries to grow larger than it, it breaks and the cell dies. So yes, the cell membrane limits how large the cell can grow, but it is the nucleus which limits how large the membrane can be.

I wouldn't worry about this question, its just one of those crazy ones.