Different organisms have different cellular respiration rates.

For example,
endotherms and ectotherms. Endotherms consist of mammals and birds
(See Figure 1.). Endotherms keep a steady body temperature, meaning
they are able to constantly burn energy. Since their body is at a constant
temperature, their enzymes are always working to create energy as well.
The ectotherms (See Figure 2.) are able to lower their cellular respiration
rate because they need an alternative light source that is not always
available to them. Examples of ectotherms are amphibians, reptiles, or
fish.
Living organisms need energy to maintain order. Producers, or
autotrophs, are at the bottom of the trophic pyramid and use
photosynthesis to create fuel and energy. Consumers and heterotrophs
then get fuel from eating producers, or other types of food. During
cellular respiration, cells transfer glucose molecules to ATP. The energy
transfer occurs in two stages, anaerobic and aerobic respiration. The first
step is anaerobic, meaning it does not require oxygen. This step takes
place n the cytoplasm and creates little ATP. Aerobic respiration is the
second step of the two steps your body uses to survive. This step requires
oxygen, occurs in the mitochondria, and create more ATP.
In this lab, we conducted an experiment where we measured the cellular
respiration rate of peas. To do so, we used germinating peas, non
germinating peas, and beads as a control group. We were able to measure
the amount of cellular respiration by measuring the amount of oxygen
intake. An equal amount of peas and beds were placed into separate viles.
Each vial had a layer of peas, then rayon, and cotton soaked in KOH. The
vile was then topped with a pipette with red dye on the top. All three vials
were placed in a warm water bath and examined to measure their cellular
respiration rate. We were able measure only the amount of oxygen intake
because the KOH absorbed the CO2.

We thank I. Gor for laboratory assistance, Mary Juana for seeds, Herb Isside for greenhouse care, and Mr. Ginnever for very dubious and often questionable advice. Funding for this project was provided by the Swarthmore College Department of Biology, a Merck summer stipend, and my mom. [Note that peoples titles are omitted.]

Conclusion
All living plant cells respire and use the energy released to live and
function. Cellular respiration is the process in which chemical energy
stored in certain foods is converted to ATP, or high-energy compounds.
The cells that make up organisms are at constant work producing materials
for growth, reproduction, movement, and maintenance of life. All these
chemical processes are called metabolism. Converting substances to make
ATP and other energy-rich molecules is one vital process. Metabolic
processes entail both the combining and the splitting of molecules.

Materials
- dehydrated peas (nongerminating and dormant)
- water-soaked peas (germinating)
- beads
- pipettes
- water tray
- cotton
- Rayon and KOH

The most common catabolic reaction in plants involves the breakdown

of glucose. This process requires oxygen and is known as aerobic
respiration. The process of respiration takes place in complex organelles
known as mitochondria. Aerobic respiration is essentially the reverse of
photosynthesis. In aerobic respiration, sugars made in photosynthesis are
broken down into energy-rich molecules through a long sequence of
reactions. Oxygen and water are critical ingredients to the reaction. In the
process, chemical energy is released when the molecular bonds of the sugar
molecules are broken down by enzymes. The created energy, ATP, allows
for a variety of chemical reactions important in the growth and
development of the plant. Byproducts of the reaction are carbon dioxide
and water.

Hypothesis
Germinating peas will have highest cellular respiration rate,
nongerminating beads will have second highest, and beads will have the
lowest respiration rate.
Methodology
- Each pipette/vile apparatus will contain an exact weight (grams) of
either peas or beads. Beads can be used to add weight to
nongerminating peas.
- Cotton KOH controls gases and regulates pH (absorbant). It will
absorb CO2 so that none will exit; only O2 is affecting the dye.
- Rayon (nonabsorbant)
- Constant temperature

During aerobic respiration, glucose or other forms of carbohydrates are

broken down in the presence of water and oxygen. The products are energy
in the form of ATP, carbon dioxide, and water. In aerobic respiration,
glucose is oxidized, and oxygen is reduced. In the multi-step reaction,
hydrogen is transferred from the glucose molecule to oxygen. Energy from
the hydrogen electrons is used for ATP synthesis.
Nearly all energy used to maintain life originates from the sun. Plants
convert the solar energy to chemical energy through photosynthesis. Plants
and animals then release the chemical energy for their use through
respiration. Various factors influence respiration. Respiration increases as
temperatures rise and decreases as temperatures drop. Oxygen is required
for aerobic respiration to occur. If levels of oxygen are reduced in the
atmosphere, respiration slows. Cellular respiration can also be affected by
the amount of nutrients are available for use. These factors were controlled
in the experiment.

Figure 1. Examples of Endotherms

Figure 2. Examples of Ectotherms

Time(Minutes)

Beads

Non Germinating Peas

Germinating Peas

15

25

35

14

45

15

12

55

20+

19

We thank Mr. Ginnever for demonstrating the lab and for providing very dubious
and often questionable advice. Funding for this project was provided by American
Canyon High School, and my mom.