Cellular Respiration

Purpose: 

The purpose of this experiment was to compare and contrast the products of cellular respiration, or in other words to measure the levels of CO2 produced. We measured the production of CO2 of glass beads (control group), dormant yellow and green beans/peas and germinating yellow and green beans/peas.

Introduction:

All cells whether they are plant or animal ones undergo a form of producing energy to fuel their organism. In animal cells this is called cellular respiration and in plant cells this is referred to as photosynthesis. Each of these processes' main goal is to produce ATP (Adenosine TriPhosphate) in order to give energy to its organism. However in each of these processes which have smaller sub parts there are various byproducts that are created like CO2. So if you would be able to track the amount of CO2 produced you can determine whether a system/organism or cell is living and growing.

Method:

We took each independent variable, whether it was the control group-the glass beads, dormant peas/beans and the germinating peas/beans placed them into an air tight chamber. We let conditions inside the chamber settle down (waited for about a minute) and then proceeded to begin measuring the CO2 levels for about a minute as well, and then created our graphs and charts.

Graphs:

Conclusion: 

​At the end of this experiment, it can be determined that plant cells respire as well as photosynthesize. The Vernier CO2 sensor is used to determine whether there is CO2 released or not. This was demonstrated the day before the lab when we were told to use glass marbles in the chamber. As you can see from our data, both the room temperature container and cold temperature container showed a dramatic change of color. What it shows is that the peas were releasing CO2. The question is why? The answer is that plants respire when germinated more than the non germinated. Plant cells contain mitochondria just like in humans so plants use the mitochondria to create energy as well. They use this energy for cellular functions and keep the plant stable. Therefore, a plant could not live without respiration.

References:

 Reece, Jane B. "Cellular Respiration and Fermentation, Photosynthesis." Campbell Biology, AP Edition. Boston, M.A.: Pearson Education/Benjamin Cummings, 2011. N. pag. Print.