Experimentally Show That Carbon Dioxide Is Given Out During Respiration

Introduction

Respiration is the primary part for living beings in order to have life existence. In this process, energy is released either due to the presence or due to absence of oxygen. It is also called a catabolic process where complex molecules break down into simple molecules. Respiration is of two kinds aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration. In this tutorial, the experiment shows that carbon dioxide is given out during respiration.

Aim of the Experiment

The main aim of this experiment is to show by experiment that the process of respiration releases carbon dioxide (CO2). It helps to demonstrate the fact of releasing CO2 during the process of respiration.

Experiment Theory

Respiration is considered to be a catabolic process where the oxidization of food for the release of energy happens. In this process, the released energy helps in various life processes and this process is of two types. They are aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.

The formula is

$$\mathrm{C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}\:+\:6O{2}\rightarrow\:6C0_{2}\:+\:6H_{2}O\:+\:Energy}$$

Aerobic respiration happens due to the presence of oxygen and anaerobic respiration happens in the absence of oxygen. The breakdown of foods in the aerobic respiration leads to the factor releasing energy, water, and CO2 gas. They are released during this process as adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Most of the organisms are under aerobic respiration. Skeletal muscle cells, different microorganisms, and yeasts are under the respiration process anaerobic. Aerobic respiration’s reaction mechanism mainly involves the production of H2O, CO2 and energy. It also involves the oxidation of carbohydrates in this process.

Material Required

• Germinating gram seeds

• KOH solution

• Petroleum jelly

• A conical flask (100ml)

• A beaker (250ml)

• A single-bore cork

• A clean delivery (bent) tube

• A small test tube

• A piece of thread

• A measuring scale.

Procedure

There are steps which prove the release of carbon dioxide during the process of respiration. In this experiment, about forty geminating seeds are taken in a conical flask.

After that, the flask is closed with the help of cork and thread. Here, KOH solution is contained within the tube. Then, a clean delivery tube is inserted in the flask through the cork. As the picture shows, a clean delivery tube is dipped in a beaker which is filled with water. It is seen that the water level rises within the tube due to the capillary action. This reading of the water level is initiated within the tube. Petroleum jelly is used for making the flask air-tight. It is done so that the gas does not leak out which is produced during the process of respiration by the germination of seeds. The set-up which is made by great effort is kept without disturbing for about 45 minutes in the sunlight. The process helps to mark the water level within the delivery tube after the examination of 2 hours.

Observation

In this experiment, it is observed that after two hours the level of water has risen in the delivery tube. It is seen by noticing the end portion of the delivery tube dipped in the beaker of water. The increased water level described that CO2 is released as a result of germination of gram seeds during this process of respiration in the clinical flask. Here, KOH solution absorbed the released carbon dioxide in this process, it creates a vacuum within the flask, and that is the reason that water level increased in the test tube.

Results and Discussion

Results in this matter show that the rising water level indicates that CO2 is produced by germinating seeds during respiration. KOH absorbed CO2 which is germinated in this respiration process and it created a vacuum in the flask. The air present in the tube moves into the conical flask.

Precautions

The process needs to have some conditions and it is believed that the germinated seeds need to be moist. The KOH solution will have to be prepared freshly and the environment of the flask should have to be air-tight. It is seen that during the time of placing the delivery tube within the flask extra care will have to be taken. The other end of the tube will have to be properly placed within the solution. KOH is corrosive and that is why it needs to be handled carefully.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is seen that this experiment proves the matter that carbon dioxide is given out during respiration. This experiment is done with the help of some materials and by following some steps. It also shows that the experiment will have to do with extreme care. The observation is most important here for noticing the matter of the increased level of water within the test tube. The germination gram seeds are an important material for this process and the experiment is very dependent upon it.

FAQs

Qns 1. Can boiled seeds be used in this process?

Ans. The boiled seeds cannot be used for the process of respiration because germinated seeds are important for this experiment. Boiled seeds cannot show any result as the presence of germinated seeds produced carbon dioxide.

Qns 2. What is the significance of using KOH solution in the experiment?

Ans. The solution is used because it can absorb CO2 which is important for this experiment. Here, carbon dioxide is released for the presence of germinated seeds and it denotes the matter of rising water level within the test tube.

Qns 3. Why Vaseline or petroleum jelly is used for this experiment?

Ans. Petroleum jelly or Vaseline is used for sealing the conical flask. It helps in keeping the set-up air-tight.

Qns 4. Can plants take part in photosynthesis?

Ans. Yes, plants can respire and it takes part in photosynthesis during day time.