Introduction
Cell respiration refers to the process of converting the chemical energy of organic molecules into a form immediately usable by organisms. Glucose may be oxidized completely if sufficient oxygen is available by the following equation:
All organisms, including plants and animals, oxidize glucose for energy. Often, this energy is used to convert ADP and phosphate into ATP. It is known that peas undergo cell respiration during germination.
Objectives
In this Preliminary Activity, you will use a CO2 Gas Sensor to determine the respiration rate of peas. After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about peas, seeds, germination, and cell respiration before you choose and investigate a researchable question dealing with the cell respiration. Some topics to consider in your reference search are:
- peas
- seeds
- germination
- cell respiration
- carbohydrates
- glucose
- dormant
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.
Option 1
Option 2
Correlations
Teaching to an educational standard? This experiment supports the standards below.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) 2025/Biology
- B2.2.4—Adaptations of the mitochondrion for production of ATP by aerobic cell respiration
- C1.2.4—Cell respiration as a system for producing ATP within the cell using energy released from carbon compounds
- C1.2.6—Variables affecting the rate of cell respiration
- D3.1.12—Dispersal and germination of seeds
Ready to Experiment?
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This experiment is #9 of Investigating Biology through Inquiry. The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.
