Respirometer
Product Code : EL-BLE-10625
Quick answer: The respirometer is a biology apparatus for comparing the respiration rates of small organisms such as germinating seeds or woodlice. Two stoppered glass boiling tubes, one holding the organisms and one acting as a thermo-barometer control, connect through three-way taps to a U-shaped graduated manometer. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for schools, colleges and universities.
Specifications
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tubes | Two stoppered glass boiling tubes |
| Connections | Three-way taps to each limb of the manometer |
| Manometer | U-shaped, graduated |
| Organism tube | Fitted with a syringe to set the manometer level |
| Control tube | Thermo-barometer |
| CO2 absorbent | Potassium hydroxide in the experimental chamber |
How the respirometer experiment is done
In aerobic respiration, organisms take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide. In the respirometer the carbon dioxide is absorbed by potassium hydroxide solution in the experimental tube, so the change in gas volume comes from the oxygen being used. As the organisms consume oxygen, the pressure in their tube falls and the manometer liquid moves towards it; the distance moved over a set time gives the rate of oxygen uptake.
The second tube is set up the same way without organisms and acts as a thermo-barometer. Any change in room temperature or air pressure affects both tubes equally, so its reading allows those effects to be cancelled and the difference to be put down to respiration.
- Place potassium hydroxide solution in the bottom of each tube and stand the wire basket above it.
- Put the organisms, for example germinating seeds, on the basket in one tube; fill the control tube with an equal volume of inert material such as glass beads.
- Insert the stoppers with the three-way taps open to the air and let the apparatus reach a steady temperature.
- Close the taps, use the syringe to level the manometer liquid and start timing.
- Record the movement of the manometer liquid at regular intervals and calculate the rate of oxygen uptake.
Potassium hydroxide is corrosive, so eye protection should be worn and the organisms kept on the basket, clear of the solution.
Key features
- Two stoppered glass boiling tubes: one for organisms, one as a control
- Three-way taps link each tube to the manometer and allow venting
- U-shaped graduated manometer for direct readings
- Thermo-barometer control tube corrects for temperature and pressure changes
- Wire basket keeps organisms clear of the potassium hydroxide
- 1 mL syringe for setting the manometer level
Supplied with
- Wire basket for supporting the organisms
- 1 mL syringe
Documentation and supply
Instructions for use are supplied with the apparatus. Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the respirometer at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to schools, colleges and universities in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Biology Lab Equipment products
- Rotary Microtome (EL-BLE-10624)
- Basic Botany Slide Set (EL-BLE-10626)
- Urinary System Model (EL-BLE-10623)
- Basic Plant Anatomy Slide (EL-BLE-10627)
- Kidney Model (EL-BLE-10622)
- Clinostat Electric (EL-BLE-10628)
The full range is in the Biology Lab Equipment section of the Biology Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
What does the respirometer measure?
It compares the rate of gas absorption or evolution by small respiring organisms; with potassium hydroxide absorbing carbon dioxide, the manometer shows the rate of oxygen uptake.
What is the control tube for?
It acts as a thermo-barometer, so changes in temperature or air pressure during the experiment can be allowed for.
What accessories come with the respirometer?
A wire basket for supporting the organisms and a 1 mL syringe for adjusting the manometer liquid level.
What is the price of the respirometer?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the respirometer to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code EL-BLE-10625 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the respirometer?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the respirometer at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code EL-BLE-10625.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code EL-BLE-10625 and the quantity, or add the respirometer to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
