Question

How can you show experimentally that heat is liberated during respiration in germinating seeds?

Answer 1

There are two flasks which are filled with germinating seeds and boiled seeds. There are thermometers placed in each flask. The mouth of the flask is covered with wet cotton to prevent inlet of air, prevent contamination of the seeds and to supply water for the process of germination. The germinating seeds can respire by using the water. When there is an increase in the respiration process, the breakdown of the glucose molecule occurs which results in the evolution of energy in the form of heat. Due to the heat, there is an increase in temperature which is recorded by the increase in the level of mercury in the thermometer. The temperature rises at a faster rate as compared to the boiled seeds which are not respiring. This proves heat is evolved during the process of germination.