Rate of Respiration Assignment

Measuring the Rate of Aerobic Respiration Using Germinating
Seeds:
1. The apparatus below is a simple respirometer.
a. Explain how the apparatus shown in the diagram can be used to measure the rate of
oxygen uptake or the rate of respiration. [3 marks]
b. Describe two limitations/source of errors of the procedure described in a. [2 marks]
c. Describe a control which should be set up to obtain valid results. [2 marks]
d. The results in the table below were obtained by the students when measuring the uptake
of oxygen by the mung beans.
e. Using the data in the table above, calculate the average volume of oxygen taken up in
mm3 min−1 g−1.Assume that the diameter of the capillary tube is 0.2 mm and 0.5 g of
mung beans was used. The formula to calculate volume is π r2 d. (r = radius; d = distance
moved by the meniscus) [3 marks] ????
2. Figure 1. shows a differential respirometer apparatus used by a student for measuring the
rate of oxygen consumption of seeds during aerobic respiration:
a. Explain how the differential respirometer is different from a simple respirometer.

b. Explain the functions of the following in the differential respirometer. [1 mark each]
i. Tube X
ii. The three-way tap
iii. The syringe
iv. Water bath
c. Why does respiration inside of the respirometer cause the fluid to move in the
manometer? [2 marks]
d. If this experiment was carried out where would the fluid in the manometer be displaced
towards? [1 mark]
e. If respiration in a small mammal were studied at BOTH room temperature (21 ⁰C) and at
10⁰ C, what results would be expected? Explain your reasoning. [3 marks]
The apparatus shown in the diagram can be used to measure the rate of respiration
1. **Prepare the Apparatus:**

- Fill the respirometer container with colored water, ensuring it’s sufficient to
immerse the end of the capillary tube.
- Add a small amount of soda lime to the container to absorb carbon dioxide.
2. **Add Germinating Seeds:**

- Place a measured number of germinating seeds or beads into the container.
Ensure they are healthy and actively respiring.
3. **Seal the Apparatus:**

- Securely seal the respirometer to prevent gas exchange with the outside
environment. Ensure the capillary tube is in place and submerged in the colored
water.
4. **Initial Setup:**
- Use the syringe to equalize the pressure inside the respirometer. Pull the
plunger back gently to ensure no air bubbles are present in the system.
5. **Start the Experiment:**

- Begin the stopwatch as soon as the setup is complete. Observe the movement of
the colored water in the capillary tube.
6. **Measure Water Displacement:**

- At regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes), record the position of the meniscus
in the capillary tube. Use a ruler or mark on graph paper to track the distance the
water has moved.
7. **Continue the Experiment:**

- Continue recording measurements for a fixed period (e.g., 30 minutes to 1
hour).
8. **Calculate the Rate of Oxygen Uptake:**

- After completing the measurements, calculate the total distance the water has
moved in the capillary tube.
- Convert this distance into a volume using the diameter of the capillary tube, and
express it as oxygen consumed per unit time (e.g., mL/hour).
9. **Analyze Data:**
- Plot the distance moved against time on graph paper to visualize the oxygen
uptake rate.
10. **Cleanup:**
- After completing the experiment, carefully dismantle the apparatus and dispose
of any biological materials according to safety guidelines.
This procedure will provide a clear measurement of the rate of respiration in the
germinating seeds.
sources of error in the respirometer procedure:
Inconsistent Initial Pressure:

- If the initial pressure inside the respirometer is not equalized properly, it may
lead to erroneous movement of the colored water in the capillary tube, affecting the
measurements of oxygen uptake.
2. Air Leaks:
- Any leaks in the apparatus can allow external air to enter, which would
introduce additional oxygen and skew the results, leading to an overestimation of
the rate of respiration.
Both of these factors can result in inaccurate data, impacting the reliability of the
experiment's conclusions.
### Control Setup for the Respirometer Experiment
To obtain valid results, a control setup is essential. Here's how to set it up:
**Control Group:**
1. **Use Non-Respiring Material:**

- Instead of germinating seeds, use a similar setup with non-respiring beads or
seeds (e.g., dried seeds) that are not actively undergoing respiration.
2. **Identical Conditions:**
- Ensure that the control setup mirrors the experimental setup in all aspects,
including the volume of colored water, amount of soda lime, and environmental
conditions (temperature, light, etc.).
3. **Measurement Protocol:**
- Follow the same measurement procedure and time intervals as the experimental
group. This includes using the same type of capillary tube and measuring water
displacement in the same manner.
A differential respirometer differs from a simple respirometer in several key ways:

### 1. **Measurement of Relative Changes:**
- **Differential Respirometer:** Measures the difference in gas volume between
two chambers—one with a respiring organism and one as a control (often
containing a non-respiring material). This allows for more accurate assessment of
oxygen uptake by accounting for environmental factors.
- **Simple Respirometer:** Measures absolute gas consumption by a single
organism or setup without a control, which may lead to inaccuracies due to
external influences.
### 2. **Components:**
- **Differential Respirometer:** Utilizes a U-tube manometer to measure
pressure changes, allowing for precise calculation of gas volumes based on fluid
displacement. It typically includes a three-way tap to facilitate adjustments in gas
flow and pressure equalization.
- **Simple Respirometer:** Often consists of a sealed container with a capillary
tube and colored water. It relies on the movement of water in the tube to indicate
gas uptake without the sophisticated measurement of pressure differentials.
### 3. **Control of Variables:**

- **Differential Respirometer:** The control chamber helps isolate the effects of
respiration from other variables, providing a clearer understanding of metabolic
rates.
- **Simple Respirometer:** Lacks this control, making it more susceptible to
inaccuracies from factors like temperature changes, atmospheric pressure, and CO2
buildup.
### 4. **Sensitivity and Precision:**

- **Differential Respirometer:** Generally offers greater sensitivity and
precision in measuring small changes in gas volume, making it suitable for
experiments requiring high accuracy.
- **Simple Respirometer:** While useful for general measurements, it may not
detect subtle changes in respiration rates as effectively.
### Summary
In summary, the differential respirometer provides a more refined and accurate
measurement of respiration by comparing changes between a test and control
chamber, while a simple respirometer offers a more straightforward but less
precise assessment of gas uptake.
  Function: Tube X typically connects the respiring organism’s chamber to
the manometer or control chamber. It facilitates the movement of gases
between the two sides, allowing for the measurement of pressure changes
that indicate respiration. This tube ensures that the volume of gas
consumed by the organism can be accurately compared to the control
volume.
 Three-Way Tap:
 Function: The three-way tap allows the user to control the flow of gases in
the system. It can direct gas from the organism's chamber to the
manometer for measurement, isolate the chambers for calibration, or
connect to the syringe for pressure adjustments. This versatility is crucial for
maintaining proper conditions and ensuring accurate readings.
 Syringe:
 Function: The syringe is used to adjust the pressure within the system. By
injecting or withdrawing air, it helps to equalize pressure differences that
may occur as the respiring organism consumes oxygen. This action ensures
that any movement of the manometer fluid is solely due to gas exchange by
the organism, enhancing measurement accuracy.
 Water Bath:
 Function: The water bath maintains a constant temperature for the

respirometer. Temperature fluctuations can affect metabolic rates and gas
solubility, so the water bath provides a stable environment. This control is
essential for ensuring that any observed changes in respiration are due to
the organism's activity rather than external temperature variations.
Respiration inside the respirometer causes the fluid to move in the manometer due
to changes in gas volume and pressure within the chambers. Here’s how it works:
1. **Oxygen Consumption:**
- When the respiring organism consumes oxygen during respiration, the volume
of gas in its chamber decreases. This creates a partial vacuum.
2. **Pressure Change:**
- The decrease in gas volume leads to a drop in pressure within that chamber
compared to the control chamber, which remains at atmospheric pressure.
3. **Fluid Movement:**
- The pressure difference causes the manometer fluid to move toward the
chamber with the lower pressure (the one containing the respiring organism). This
movement is visible in the U-tube manometer, indicating how much gas has been
consumed.
4. **Measurement:**
- The distance the fluid moves in the manometer can be measured and correlated
to the volume of oxygen consumed, allowing researchers to quantify the
respiration rate of the organism.
This mechanism allows for a clear and accurate measurement of respiratory

activity by capturing changes in gas volume and pressure.
### Expected Results of Respiration in a Small Mammal at Different Temperatures
1. **Higher Respiration Rate at Room Temperature (21°C):**

- **Expected Result:** The respiration rate would be higher at room temperature
compared to 10°C.
- **Reasoning:** Higher temperatures typically increase metabolic rates in
ectothermic and many endothermic organisms. Enzymatic reactions, which drive
metabolic processes including respiration, generally occur more rapidly at warmer
temperatures due to increased molecular activity and collisions. Thus, the mammal
would likely consume oxygen more quickly and produce more carbon dioxide at
21°C.
2. **Lower Respiration Rate at 10°C:**

- **Expected Result:** The respiration rate would be lower at 10°C.
- **Reasoning:** At lower temperatures, metabolic processes slow down.
Enzymatic activity decreases, leading to reduced oxygen consumption and lower
carbon dioxide production. The mammal’s body would also be expending energy
to maintain its internal temperature, but overall respiration rates would likely still
be lower than at room temperature.
### Summary
In summary, it is expected that the small mammal will have a significantly higher
respiration rate at 21°C compared to 10°C due to the effects of temperature on
metabolic rate and enzymatic activity.

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Measuring the Rate of Aerobic Respiration Using Germinating

1. The apparatus below is a simple respirometer.

b. Describe two limitations/source of errors of the procedure described in a. [2 marks]

c. Describe a control which should be set up to obtain valid results. [2 marks]

a. Explain how the differential respirometer is different from a simple respirometer.

1. **Prepare the Apparatus:**

2. **Add Germinating Seeds:**

3. **Seal the Apparatus:**

5. **Start the Experiment:**

6. **Measure Water Displacement:**

7. **Continue the Experiment:**

8. **Calculate the Rate of Oxygen Uptake:**

sources of error in the respirometer procedure:

Inconsistent Initial Pressure:

### Control Setup for the Respirometer Experiment

1. **Use Non-Respiring Material:**

A differential respirometer differs from a simple respirometer in several key ways:

### 3. **Control of Variables:**

### 4. **Sensitivity and Precision:**

 Function: The water bath maintains a constant temperature for the

This mechanism allows for a clear and accurate measurement of respiratory

### Expected Results of Respiration in a Small Mammal at Different Temperatures

1. **Higher Respiration Rate at Room Temperature (21°C):**

2. **Lower Respiration Rate at 10°C:**

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1. Prepare the Apparatus:

2. Add Germinating Seeds:

3. Seal the Apparatus:

5. Start the Experiment:

6. Measure Water Displacement:

7. Continue the Experiment:

8. Calculate the Rate of Oxygen Uptake:

1. Use Non-Respiring Material:

### 3. Control of Variables:

### 4. Sensitivity and Precision:

1. Higher Respiration Rate at Room Temperature (21°C):

2. Lower Respiration Rate at 10°C: