EXPERIMENT #3

Date: December 6, 2023

Title: Cellular Respiration

Aim: To determine the rate of oxygen uptake during germination using a simple respirometer.

Background: Cellular Respiration is the process by which organic food is broken down in a stepwise

manner and chemical energy is released in small packets. This is immediately used to form ATP

(adenosine triphosphate). Chemical energy from ATP can be readily transferred to other energy-requiring

processes in the cell. During respiration, the cell can capture 60-65% of the energy available in the sugar

molecule. The rest of the energy is given off in the form of heat. We will use controlled experiments to

investigate the factors shown in the equation for aerobic cellular respiration.

Summary: C6H12O6 + O2 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy (ATP)

Materials/Apparatus:

Methods: 10 g of germinating seeds was placed into a comical fisk and a respirometer (respiration

chamber) was assembled as shown in the diagram above (Figure 5). A control respirometer containing

dead seeds (boiled) was set up in the laboratory. After set-up, the respirometer was left for several minutes

for temperature equilibration then the clip was closed tightly. The initial reading of the dye was recorded

in the capillary tube against the millimetre scale then the timer was started. The position of the dye was

recorded at 1-minute intervals (or 30-second intervals if the movement of the fluid is fairly rapid). If the

dye reached the bent portion of the capillary tube, the clip was opened and the capillary tube was tilted to

return the dye to the other end. Two sets of readings were taken. The distance moved (mm) was plotted

against time (sec or min),

Tips on preparing the respirometer.

• The filter paper in the vial must make contact with the NaOE to distribute the NaOH which removes the

CO2 from the atmosphere of the respirometer when it is given off by the respiring seeds.

• You may need to use vacuum grease to seal the bung in the conical flask to prevent the entry of air.

• Ensure the capillary tube is level.

• Keep the clip open during set-up.

• Use a Pasteur pipette to insert a small amount of dye into the capillary tube.

Discussion:
1. What is cellular respiration, and why is it essential for living organisms?
Cellular Respiration is the process by which organic food is broken down in a stepwise manner and

chemical energy is released in small packets.

2. Why is it necessary to remove the CO2 generated by the seeds?

3. What is the purpose of using dead seeds in the control?

4. Why did the dye move towards the respiration chamber and not away from it?

5. What is the function of oxygen dining acrobic cellular respiration? How is it used?

Precautions:
Limitations:
Conclusion