Cell
10 µm - Diameter; example.
A cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms. Cells vary enormously in shape, function and size.
A 10 µm diameter teaching example, not a universal cell size.
Defined examples — our methodologyCell vs Red blood cell: length comparison
The diameter of a cell is about 1.33 times the characteristic size of a red blood cell. Selected basis: an example for Cell; a representative value for Red blood cell; approximate values.
- Cell
- Diameter
- Red blood cell
- Characteristic size
Cell
10 µmDiameter
0 - shared origin
Red blood cell
7.5 µmCharacteristic size
0 - shared origin
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
In perspective1.33 times
Measurements, assumptions & sources
Red blood cell
7.5 µm - Characteristic size; representative.
A red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin. Mature human red blood cells are flexible, disc-shaped cells.
A chosen 7.5 µm human red-blood-cell diameter. Real cells vary and deform.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
Compare something else
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MicroscopicCell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
MicroscopicRed blood cell7.5 µmA red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.
MicroscopicBacterium2 µmA bacterium is a single-celled microorganism without a membrane-bound nucleus.
MicroscopicDNA double helix2 nmDNA is the molecule that stores hereditary information in living organisms.
Living thingsHoneybee1.5 cmA honeybee is a social insect that lives in a colony and gathers nectar and pollen from flowers.
Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Everyday thingsUS quarter2.426 cmA US quarter is a coin worth twenty-five cents, commonly used in United States currency.Side by side
Another point of view.
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scaleGot a good eye for scale?