MadSci Network: Cell Biology |
Hi Semsong! Great question - and one that I found very difficult to research! However, I did manage to find some information which suggests that the smallest cell is a platelet cell. These are short-lived cells found in the blood and responsible for blood clotting and repair. Some argue that, since platelets have no nucleus, they are not 'complete' cells and so do not count! Further investigation suggested that certain brain cells might well be the smallest 'full' cell; they have been little investigated because their size and location (near the centre of the brain) makes research difficult. As for the largest cell, the LONGEST would be the neurones that go from your toes to your spine - over a metre long. BUT they are very thin! The adipose cells (fat storage cells) under the skin stretch as more fat droplets are deposited; similarly, muscle cells expand with exercise and with stored glycogen (as used by muscle-builders). I would guess that one of these cells would have the biggest total volume.
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