We designed a multi-week freshmen biology lab where students integrate various biological concepts through open-ended,
student-driven research and experimentation. Lab groups first use Vernier CO2 probes to test whether mealworms show Q10,
which helps them understand the connection between cellular respiration and temperature. Then we ask students how they
would test if plants, specifically germinating seeds, also show Q10. After a discussion on how procedures might need to be
adjusted, we charge students with asking their own question about how an external factor may affect Q10. Students each
come up with a question, design an experiment, and test their question. Students researched primary literature, used
statistics, and wrote a lab report. This example, with salinity, showed no significant difference for Q10 when seeds were
germinated in 2.18 ppt versus a freshwater control, but at concentrations of 4.375, 18.75, and 17.5 ppt the Q10 was reduced
to less than 2.0. For living organisms, including plants, at room temperature the Q10 is normally between 2-3; a lower Q10
can indicate stress.
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