Comparison of Aerobic Respiration Rates in Zophobas morio larvae and Germinated Pea (Pisum sativum) Seeds Using Oxygen Sensors

 

William V. Glider

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2014, Volume 35

Abstract

This exercise uses insect (Zophobus morius) larvae and Pea (Pisum sativum) seeds to investigate the similarities and differences between aerobic respiration rates of an ectothermic animal compared to the aerobic respiration rates of ectothermal plant seeds in various stages of germination. In addition, students investigate the effect of temperature on rates of aerobic respiration of both organisms. Respiration rates are measured and analyzed using a VernierTM oxygen sensor, Lab Pro data logger, and Logger Pro 3 software linked to a computer. Students also explore the relationship between whole organism aerobic respiration and aerobic cellular respiration. This lab exercise has been used primarily in an introductory biology lab for mixed-majors and non-majors using a directed inquiry approach.

Keywords:  respiration rate

University of Calgary (2013)