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:

\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_{6} + \text{6 } \text{O}_{2}\text{(g)} \rightarrow \text{6 } \text{H}_{2}\text{O} + \text{6 } \text{CO}_{2}\text{(g)} + \text{energy}

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