The characteristic size of a glucose molecule is about 3.57 times the characteristic size of a water molecule. Selected basis: a representative value for Water molecule; a representative value for Glucose molecule; approximate values.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
280 pm - Characteristic size; representative.
A water molecule is a group of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. Its bent arrangement gives water many of its distinctive properties.
A chosen 0.28 nm molecular-scale model. Effective molecular size depends on the definition.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale1 nm - Characteristic size; representative.
A glucose molecule is a simple sugar used by living cells as a source of chemical energy. It contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
A one-nanometre scale model of a glucose molecule; orientation affects its span.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
There’s always another scale
MicroscopicWater molecule280 pmA water molecule is a group of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.
MicroscopicGlucose molecule1 nmA glucose molecule is a simple sugar used by living cells as a source of chemical energy.
Fundamental physicsProton1.682 fmA proton is a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of atoms, made up of quarks.
MicroscopicCell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
PeopleHair70 µmA hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.Side by side
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?