LAB RESPIRATION

The amount of oxygen used or carbon dioxide produced by the respiration in animals is one measure of all the organic processes going on within the animal. The term metabolism is sometimes used to describe this sum total of all life processes.

FOR THIS EXPERIMENT, WORK IN GROUPS.

NOTE: SODA LIME (NaOH) WILL HARM ANIMALS—DO NOT LET THE ANIMALS

TOUCH THE SODA LIME!!!

a. Prepare the container: Cover the bottom of the plastic chamber with a thin layer of soda lime (NaOH) (4 to 6 tablespoons full).

b. Weigh the empty wire cage__________. gm.

c. Place the animal in the wire cage.

d. Weigh the animal in the cage.. ___________ gm.

e. Record on the hand-in sheet the weight of the animal.

f Place the animal (in the wire cage) into the plastic chamber.

g. Insert manometer apparatus into the open end of the plastic chamber.

h. Apply a drop of soap bubbles to the end of the manometer tube (shake the soap solution to make bubbles).

i. Determine the distance (in mm) that the soap bubble moves during three 1-minute intervals. Record data.

j. Return the animal to the proper cage.

k. Calculate the respiratory rate of the animal by dividing the ml of 0. consumed by the time:

Respiratory rate= ml O₂ consumed

time (in minutes)

The respiratory rate is expressed in ml 0₂ consumed/minute.

l. Calculate the metabolic rate of the animal as follows:

Metabolic rate = Respiratory rate

weight of animal

Table

Type of Animal	Weight in grams	Data Taken ml O2 per minute	Respiratory Rate (ml O2 consumed/minute)	Metabolic Rate ml O2/gBW/Minute
		1. 2. 3.
		1. 2. 3.
		1. 2. 3.

Discussion

1.What is the relationship between metabolic rate and size of the animal?

2. Compare metabolic rates of cold-blooded and warm blooded animals?