RATE OF CELL RESPIRATION

Sarah Jorczyk
SarahJorczyk@my.unt.edu

Biol 1760.526
4/21/16

Cole Quarles
Tu/Th 1:00PM-3:20PM

Abstract
This experiment examined the rate of cellular respiration of germinating peas, non-germinating
peas, leaves, and worms using the consumption and output of O2 and CO2. The peas, leaves, and
worms were placed in a BioChamber with gas sensors, hooked up to a LabQuest app to collect
data to show the rate of respiration. This was determined by measuring the consumption and
output of the gasses every 120 seconds for a total of 480 seconds. The results of this experiment
showed that when more energy was put into the system, the rate of respiration was greater.
Leaves in light had a greater rate than leaves in dark. Germinating peas in room temperature had
a greater rate than germinating peas in cool temperatures. This experiment showed that
organisms have a greater rate of respiration when you give them more energy to be used.

Introduction
The term cellular respiration refers to the biochemical pathway by which cells release energy
from the chemical bonds of food molecules and provide that energy for the essential processes of
life. All living cells must carry out cellular respiration (Cellular Respiration, Nave). Cellular
respiration is the process of oxidizing food molecules, like glucose, to carbon dioxide and water
(Cellular Respiration, 2016). The rate of cellular respiration can be shown by measuring the
amount of O2 and CO2 in a chamber organisms are placed in. Three different sets of experiments
of organisms and two different variables within those sets, of temperature and light, were used
and the consumption and output of gasses were measured over time to determine the rate of
cellular respiration.The hypothesis that was tested was that greater energy input into the system
results into a greater rate of cellular respiration.

Materials and Methods

First, 25 germinating peas were prepped for the cold temp portion of the experiment by being
placed in the fridge. Thermometers were used to record room and fridge temps. Next, 25
germinating peas were placed in a BioChamber 250, with a Vernier CO2 Gas Sensor positioned
into the side of the chamber, and a Vernier O2 Gas Sensor positioned upright into the top of the
chamber. The sensors were then connected to LabQuest. The CO2 was checked to make sure it
was set on Low, and a 2 minute wait was then conducted before starting the initial data collection
using the LabQuest app. Following the wait period, data was then collected every 120 seconds,
all the way up to a final 480 seconds. These steps were then repeated with other specimens, such
as non-germinating peas, leaves, and worms. This data was then compared to assess cell
respiration rates.

Results
The hypothesis was supported in all 3 of the 3 data sets. The rate of respiration in germinating
peas at room temperature was shown to be greater than the rate of respiration in germinating peas
at cool temperature. In addition, the rate of respiration for non-germinating peas was
non-existent. The rate of respiration in worms was also shown to be higher than that of the
germinating peas.
Furthermore, the rate of respiration in leaves in light was greater than those in dark, supporting
the hypothesis.
Table 1
Room Temperature

21.9 C

Table 1A
Organisms

O2 Rate of Respiration (ppm)

CO2 Rate of Respiration (ppm)

Germinating, room temp

186548

1735

186290

2291

185594

2801

185249

3216

184816

3629

188882

1238

188798

1232

188624

1228

188798

1235

188798

1228

Non-germinating, room temp

Germinating, cool temp

186723

1332

186633

1422

186548

1566

186290

1685

186200

1813

Table 1B
Organisms

O2 Rate of Respiration (ppm)

CO2 Rate of Respiration (ppm)

Leaves in Light
178300

1450

176788

1163

177579

1147

176262

1147

176348

1144

196927

319

197014

335

196927

325

196844

335

196844

331

Leaves in Dark

Table 1C
Organisms

O2 Rate of Respiration (ppm)

CO2 Rate of Respiration (ppm)

Worms
163974

1245

158732

1407

157152

1507

158732

1577

158069

1647

Discussion
Due to the greater rate of cellular respiration in the organisms with more energy put into the
system, the hypothesis is supported. The germinating peas in room temperature had a greater rate
of respiration than the peas at cool temperatures. In comparison, the non-germinating peas,
which are essentially dead, had no rate of respiration. For the other data set, the leaves in light
had a greater rate of cellular respiration than the leaves in dark. Leaves in light are undergoing
photosynthesis which can attribute to a slight increase in oxygen in the data. Next, looking at the
worms, being motile organisms, they exhibited greater rates of cellular respiration than those of
the peas or leaves.
There are a few things to consider with this experiment. The data is shown as pretty varied and
this could be due to a few different factors, such as the gas sensors not being properly placed in
the chamber, not waiting long enough to being the LabQuest app, or not use enough or using too
much of one organism.
Conclusion
The purpose of this experiment was to find out the rates of cell respiration using the consumption
of CO2 and O2 as a basis for determining the rate. Temperature, different organisms, such as
germinating/non-germinating peas and leaves, and light were all used as factors to change the
outcome and compare changes in gas consumption and output. Overall, the more energy input
into the system yielded greater rates of cellular respiration. The Germinating peas, leaves in
light, and worms all had higher rates.

References
Nave, R. (n.d.). Cellular Respiration. Retrieved April 21, 2016, from
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/biology/celres.html
Cellular Respiration. (2016, March 27). Retrieved April 21, 2016, from
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/C/CellularRespiration.html