Question

Describe one experiment each you would perform to demonstrate the following phenomena: ​

The germinating seeds ​
1. Produce heat.

Answer 1

Aim:
Experiment demonstrating the fact that germinating seeds produce heat.​

Procedure:

• Name two thermal flasks and label them as ‘A’ and ‘B’.
• Approximately 200 pea seeds or beans would be used in the experiment. Soak them in water for more than 24 hours
• Split the seeds into two equal groups.
• The first group of seeds is boiled and killed. Dilute formalin or carbolic acid is used to prevent bacterial decay.
• The live germinating seeds need to be placed in flask A and the boiled/killed seeds in flask B.
• Introduce a thermometer into each of the flasks and seal their mouths with cotton wool.
• Take note of the initial reading observed in the thermometer.​observed in the thermometer.​

Observation:

• A few hours later, the thermometer in the flask A shows a higher reading indicating that the germinating seed generate heat.
• ​Flask B shows no rise in the temperature.

Conclusion :

• The germinating seeds are living, respiring, and produce heat.