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Laboratory Experiment 2: Investigating The Effect of Temperature On Respiration Rate of Germinating Seeds
Laboratory Experiment 2: Investigating The Effect of Temperature On Respiration Rate of Germinating Seeds
Laboratory Experiment 2: Investigating The Effect of Temperature On Respiration Rate of Germinating Seeds
B. Introduction
Respiration is the process during which simple carbohydrates, like glucose, break down
into simpler substances and liberate carbon dioxide and energy. The compound used, or
oxidized, during respiration is called a respiratory substrate. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
are examples of respiratory substrates, and carbohydrates are the preferred respiratory
substrate among them. The rate of respiration can be measured in terms of gas exchange, that
is consumption of the respiratory substrate oxygen or evolution of carbon dioxide. By respiration
rate we mean the uptake of oxygen per unit time.
Respiration, like most of the chemical reactions in living things, is controlled by enzymes
and so is affected by temperature. At a very high temperature, the rate of respiration decreases
with time, and at very low temperature, the respiration rate is insignificant. Respiration in plants
can be studied in moist germinating seeds that release carbon dioxide (CO2) during respiration. The
seeds are kept in an air tight conical flask. A small test tube containing potassium hydroxide (KOH)
solution is placed in the flask to absorb carbon dioxide released by the respiring germinating seeds.
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3. Why does the changes in water level can be used to measure the rate of respiration? [2]
4. Explain the changes on the respiration rate of each kind of germinating seeds (mustard,
bean, and wheat) during the interval of temperature. [3]
5. What is the optimum temperature for respiration of germinating seeds (you may refer to the
answer no. 4). Explain why do you think so. [3]
6. Explain the difference of water level rise on mustard, bean, and wheat seeds in optimum
temperature. Why do you think there is a difference result? [4]
Resources:
• amrita.olabs.edu.in. (2015). Rate of Respiration. Retrieved 2 November 2021, from
amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=79&brch=17&sim=204&cnt=4