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}}_{\text{6}}}{{\text{H}}_{{\text{12}}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{6}}}{\text{ + 6 }}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{(g)}} \to {\text{6 }}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O + 6 C}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{(g) + 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 the Preliminary Activity, you will gain experience using a CO2 Gas Sensor as you determine the rate of respiration for germinating peas.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about germination and cell respiration before you choose and investigate a researchable question.