- Identify the units (\(\mu m\) and \(mm\)) and the need for standardization.
- Convert all values to micrometers (\(\mu m\)):
- Red blood cell: \(7.1 \, \mu m\)
- Root hair cell: \(1500 \, \mu m\)
- Neutrophil cell: \(10 \, \mu m\)
- Egg cell: \(200 \, \mu m\)
- Compare the standardized lengths to find the maximum value.
- Conclude that the largest cell is the root hair cell: \(\boxed{\text{Root hair cell}}\).
Explanation
- Analysis of Cell Measurements
To determine the largest cell, we first observe the given lengths of the four cell types:
- Red blood cell: \(7.1 \, \mu m\)
- Root hair cell: \(1.5 \times 10^3 \, \mu m\)
- Neutrophil cell: \(10 \, \mu m\)
- Egg cell: \(0.2 \, mm\)
We note that the measurements are provided in two different units: micrometers (\(\mu m\)) and millimeters (\(mm\)). To compare these lengths accurately, we must convert them all into the same unit, the micrometer (\(\mu m\)).
- Converting to a Common Unit
We know that \(1 \, mm = 10^3 \, \mu m = 1000 \, \mu m\). We can now convert each measurement:
- Red blood cell: \(7.1 \, \mu m\) remains \(7.1 \, \mu m\).
- Root hair cell: \(1.5 \times 10^3 \, \mu m = 1500 \, \mu m\).
- Neutrophil cell: \(10 \, \mu m\) remains \(10 \, \mu m\).
- Egg cell: \(0.2 \, mm = 0.2 \times 1000 \, \mu m = 200 \, \mu m\).
- Comparing the Lengths
Now that all lengths are in micrometers, we can compare them:
- \(7.1 \, \mu m\)
- \(1500 \, \mu m\)
- \(10 \, \mu m\)
- \(200 \, \mu m\)
Comparing these values, we see that \(7.1 < 10 < 200 < 1500\). The largest value is \(1500 \, \mu m\).
- Conclusion
The length of \(1500 \, \mu m\) corresponds to the root hair cell. Thus, the root hair cell is the largest among the given cell types.
\(\boxed{\text{Root hair cell}}\)
Examples
Understanding the scale of microscopic objects is crucial in biology. For example, when studying tissue samples under a microscope, scientists must know the relative sizes of different cells to identify them correctly. By converting units and comparing sizes—just as we did here—biologists can effectively categorize cells or determine if a specimen is larger or smaller than typical healthy cells, which is a foundational skill in medical diagnostics and research.