Describe an experiment to show that heat energy is given off by germinating seed during aerobic cellular respiration. – NABTEB QUESTION

Description:

1. 2 lots of healthy seeds labelled A and B
2. Seeds A in their healthy condition are placed in a wet cotton wool in a flask with thermometer inserted.
3. Mouth of flask well sealed with cotton wool.
4. This is the experiment
5. Seeds B killed by boiling
6. Boiled seeds further soaked in formalin to prevent bacterial decay
7. Placed in wet cotton wool in a flask with a thermometer inserted
8. Mouth or flask well sealed with cotton wool. This is the control
9. Experiment and control are left in the same room temperature.

Result: At the fifth day, seeds A germinate and temperature slightly higher than the room temperature and Seed B. Difference due to heat energy produced by germinating seed.

CONCLUSION: Germinating seeds produce heats energy enough to make thermometer read higher.