Prelab Design - Photosynthesis and Respiration

Initially, let's review the ways that each process can be measured (think substrate consumption/product accumulation) and also the conditions that influence each process (amount of available substrates, environmental conditions, etc.)

Have a look at a couple of ideas for monitoring respiration or photosynthesis...

Respiration chambers

Respirometer design...for use with terrestrial organisms - insects, germinating seeds.  Click on the diagram to work through an interactive explanation of the use of the chamber with carbon dioxide "scrubbing."

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buffet  of  yeast  respiration   Protocols

Submerged aquatic plants

Elodea is an easily available and commonly used aquarium plant.  Given what you know about plants utilizing both respiration and photosynthesis, but being sensitive to the conditions in the water environment, how could you use tools to measure oxygen (probeware) or carbon dioxide/pH (probeware/monitors, soluble indicators, or pH indicator strips)?

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Begin you own individual plan...

What process to test?
What technique to use to measure activity (DV)?
What organism to use?
What factor to vary in the research question (IV)?

Make certain to include 
      clear identification of the IV, w/ range  
      DV, with uncertainty (precision) of the measurement tool
      table of the variables to be controlled, their effects and how to control
      scientific background
      technique for acquiring sufficient replicates of DV
      technique (and logic)  for encompassing a meaningful range of iV
      clear step-by-step directions (with citations!!)
      safety considerations
      plans for doing statistical analysis

Design due Tuesday...time in class to complete.