The diameter of a cell is about 2 times the characteristic size of a yeast cell. Selected basis: a representative value for Yeast cell; an example for Cell; approximate values.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
5 µm - Characteristic size; representative.
Yeast is a group of single-celled fungi. Individual yeast cells grow and often reproduce by budding.
A chosen 5 µm yeast cell; species and growth stage alter its size.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale10 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 methodology
There’s always another scale
MicroscopicYeast cell5 µmYeast is a group of single-celled fungi.
MicroscopicCell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of 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.
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.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?