Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Microrespirometers, Mealworms, and Mini-Lab Reports: Observing Respiration in Real-Time using a Low-Tech Device
 

Kevin P. Miller

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2017, Volume 38

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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.

Keywords:  temperature, insects, respiration, beetle, mealworm, microrespirometer

University of Houston (2016)

aAs of September 1, 2026