Microrespirometers, Mealworms, and Mini-Lab Reports: Observing Respiration in Real-Time using a Low-Tech Device
Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2017, Volume 38
Kevin P. Miller
Abstract
Cellular respiration and other biochemical cellular processes can be difficult topics for students to understand. Having hands-on laboratory activities that cover difficult concepts can help to solidify learning those concepts. This activity revisits a previously presented topic involving the use of microrespirometers to measure the difference in respiration of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) at different temperatures. This publication provides greater detail of the device, discussion about the laboratory exercise, and a suggestion on how to present findings from the exercise using a mini-lab report format.
