1. Module 5 Intro

1.36. Lab

Lesson 7

Module 5—Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

LAB: Oxygen Consumption and Heat Production in Germinating Seeds

 

Investigate the energy required during the germination of seeds by completing the lab “Oxygen Consumption and Heat Production in Germinating Seeds.” You will be completing this lab as outlined in your textbook on pages 184 and 185. You may choose to do “Part 1: Oxygen In Cellular Respiration” by using the virtual lab.

 

“Part 2: Heat Production in Cellular Respiration” will be completed as described in the textbook. You may decide to work in a group to complete Part 2. In this part of your investigation you will create an experimental plan that demonstrates that heat is a product of germinating seeds. If you are unable to carry out your experimental design, data will be provided for your interpretation in your Assignment.

 

You will also be asked to provide hypotheses for Part 1 and Part 2. Click on the tab below to give you a clear idea of how to prepare your hypotheses.

 

How to Write a Hypothesis.
How to Write a Hypothesis

 

A good hypothesis helps a researcher limit an investigation to the effect of one variable at a time. This allows a clear interpretation of observations. To develop a good hypothesis, you need to establish the variables that you are studying and make a prediction on how those variables interact. At this stage in your scientific career, it is best to create a simple hypothesis. The process to form a hypothesis has two parts.

  1. Define your variables. Determine which variable will change as you manipulate another. Consider the following question: “Is the rate of cellular respiration affected by the temperature of germinating seeds?”

    Temperature of the germinating seeds is the manipulated (independent) variable. The rate of respiration is the responding (dependent) variable.

  2. State the relationship between the two variables in an “if . . . , then . . .” statement. If the manipulated variable affects the responding variable in such a way, then the responding variable should change in such a way when the manipulated variable is changed.  For example, using the temperature related question:

    If the rate of respiration of germinating seeds is dependent on temperature, then seeds under warmer conditions will consume oxygen at a faster rate than seeds at lower temperatures.

 

To complete this lab you will need to read pages 184 and 185 of the textbook. You will also need to access your Assignment.