Effects of Temperature on Cellular Respiration in Corn Seeds1
Objective
Materials
Procedures
To measure cellular respiration in germinating, boiled, and
nongerminating corn seeds, at different temperatures using dye
reduction
Each group will need:
 corn seeds- germinating, nongerminating, and boiled (1 of
each)
 razor blade
 forceps
 transfer pipet
 4 well reaction plates
 distilled water
 tetrazolium
 ice and hot water
 dissecting microscope
The water baths that will be used in the experiment have been
prepared by the teacher. The temperatures are as follows:
 #1-0oC
 #2-13oC
 #3-20oC (room temperature)
 #4-37oC
1. Obtain the corn seed samples from teacher.
2. Using a razor blade, cut the corn seeds in half lengthwise from
one flat side to the other.
3. Place the two halves of each seed in to one of the wells of the
well reaction plate. Label the wells as follows:
 #1-germinating
 #2-nongerminating
 #3-boiled
4. Repeat step three until you have prepared 4 well reaction
plates to be placed in each of the water baths.
5. Add 1mL of tetrazolium to each of the wells containing seeds.
6. Place the lid on each of the well reaction plates.
7. Place each of the well plates in the appropriate water bath and
allow them to incubate for 45 minutes.
8. While you are waiting for the reactions to take place, read the
handout provided on the background of cellular respiration
and begin the data analysis assignment.
9. After the seeds have been incubated, remove the plates and
using the forceps, remove seeds, rinse them in water, and
place them on the lab bench in front of you.
10. Look at the seeds under the dissecting microscope and
evaluate the coloring and make notes of your observations
Data Analysis
Assignment


Complete the attached chart and note the intensity of the
red/pink color of the corn embryos.
Each student is to write a brief discussion of the results and
explain the effect temperature had on each of the corn seeds.
BOILED
BATH # TEMPERATURE GERMINATING NONGERMINATING
1
0oC
2
13oC
3
20oC
4
37oC
*Use +++ for Dark Red, ++ for Red, + for Pink, and 0 for White/Yellow
Please write brief summary in the space provided
1
Adapted from Modern Biology Series 2: A Laboratory Course in Cell Biology