Question

Describe one experiment each you would perform to demonstrate the following​ phenomena: ​
The germinating seeds
​ (c) Can respire even in the total absence of air.

Answer 1

Aim: ​
Experiment demonstrating the fact that seed germination undergoes respiration even in the complete absence of air.

Procedure :​

• Place an experimental setup showing the presence of soaked and peeled off peas and push them into the mouth of the test tube filled with mercury and inverted in a beaker of mercury.
• The seeds will float up and are entirely girdled by mercury.
• Mercury level drops along with the presence of some gases are detected in the tube, after two days of the experiment.
• Introduce a stick of potassium hydroxide (KOH) into the tube.

Observation :​

• The stick of potassium hydroxide was used to detect the presence of carbon dioxide, which will float up through mercury. ​
• The stick of potassium hydroxide when coming into contact with the gas, will absorb the carbon dioxide and the level of mercury will again rise.

Conclusion:
The germinating seeds can respire even in the total absence of air.