What is the Role of Surface Area in Cellular Function?
Surface area plays a pivotal role in various cellular functions. In epithelial cells, a larger surface area facilitates improved absorption and secretion. In neurons, the dendritic surface area is crucial for synaptic connections and efficient signal transmission. In muscle cells, the increased surface area of the sarcoplasmic reticulum helps in efficient calcium ion storage and release, which is essential for muscle contraction.