The principles of cellular geometry scaling

Cellular dimensions profoundly influence cellular physiology. For unicellular organisms, this has direct bearing on their ecology and evolution. The morphology of a cell is governed by scaling rules. As it grows, the ratio of its surface area to volume is expected to decrease. Similarly, if environmental conditions force proliferating cells to settle on different size optima, cells of the same type may exhibit size-dependent variation in cellular processes. In fungi, algae and plants where cells are surrounded by a rigid wall, division at smaller size often produces immediate changes in geometry, decreasing cell fitness. Here, we discuss how cells interpret their size, buffer against changes in shape and, if necessary, scale their polarity to maintain optimal shape at different cell volumes.

Automated summary

Cellular dimensions play a crucial role in cellular physiology, ecology, and evolution. The morphology of cells is governed by scaling rules, and cells of different sizes may exhibit size-dependent variations in cellular processes. Cells in fungi, algae, and plants with rigid cell walls may experience immediate changes in geometry when dividing at smaller sizes, impacting cell fitness.