Over time, a cell can undergo changes in size due to various factors, including growth, environmental conditions, and metabolic activity. Generally, during the growth phase, cells increase in size as they accumulate nutrients and replicate their organelles. However, if a cell reaches a certain size, it may face challenges such as nutrient supply and waste removal.
For instance, as a cell grows larger, its volume increases more significantly than its surface area. This can make it increasingly difficult for the cell to efficiently take up nutrients and expel waste. Eventually, this may lead to a situation known as the “cell cycle checkpoint,” where the cell must divide to maintain optimal size. Alternatively, cells may enter a state of senescence if they can no longer divide, leading to eventual apoptosis (cell death).
In summary, the size of a cell can increase during its lifespan due to growth and metabolic processes, but limitations imposed by surface area-to-volume ratios can dictate whether it continues to grow, divides, or undergoes other changes.