Problem:
How does varying the type of organism (plant or animal) in the level affect the level of carbon dioxide?
Background: This lab is used to test the effect the respiration rates in plants in animals and how it affects the level of carbon dioxide present in the water. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are gases that are vital to all organisms, whether it is given or released through that organism. Both plants and animals use oxygen and carbon dioxide for cellular respiration, giving off carbon dioxide as a waste product. This lab is an example of cellular respiration in both plants and animals. The change in the carbon dioxide levels will be measured and visible due to an indicator called Bromthymal Blue (BTB). This indicator will change the color of the water based on the carbon dioxide levels within the test tube. When there is little carbon in the mixture, the BTB indicator turns the water blue. When there is a moderate amount of carbon dioxide, the water will be yellow. When there is a substantial amount of carbon dioxide in the water, it will be green. After the water is the ideal color yellow from being blown into by a straw, it is imperative that the seal remains closed to keep the carbon dioxide levels the same. Through performing this experiment, the close relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration will be discovered and better understood.
Hypothesis:
Test Tube 1: The elodea and snail in the test tube, placed in the light, will cause an intermediate amount of carbon dioxide, turning the water green.
Test Tube 2: The elodea and snail in the test tube, placed in the dark, will produce a substantial amount of carbon dioxide, which will turn the water yellow
Test Tube 3: The snail in the test tube, placed in the light, will produce a substantial amount of carbon dioxide, causing the water to be a shade of yellow
Test Tube 4: The snail in