Mount Carmel College
Department of Life Science
Plant Physiology Practical Manual
Experiment No. 3 Date: 12-8-25
Respiratory Quotient by Ganong’s respirometer
Aim: To determine R.Q (respiratory quotient) of different kinds of germinating seeds using
Ganong's respirometer.
Introduction: The process of respiration is expressed as:
Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water (+ Energy)
Respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of CO2 produced to O2 consumed while food is being
metabolized. The rate of respiration can be measured by the amount of CO2 released. The rate of
respiration varies in different organs and with age. In general the factors which affect respiration
include internal factors such as the activity of the respiratory enzymes, the type of substrate; and
external factors such as oxygen, water, temperature etc.
Respiratory substrate may be carbohydrate, protein or fats. The kind of substrate being oxidized
is obtained by measuring the respiratory quotient.
RQ depends on the type of respiratory substrate used in respiration.
RQ values for different respiratory substrates (on the left side of record)
RQ Respiratory Substrate
>1 Carbohydrate with anaerobic respiration
1 Carbohydrate
0.99 Protein with NH3 formation
0.8 Protein with amide formation
0.7 Fats
0.5 Fats with associated carbohydrate synthesis
Principle:
Ganong’s respirometer is used to determine the value of RQ. It consists of a glass-bulb
connected with a graduated glass tube. The neck of the bulb bears a hole. The lower part of the
glass stopper which fits in the neck of bulb also bears a similar hole. It is through this hole that
the atmospheric association is made through stopper regulation. The graduated tube is connected
with a levelling glass tube filled with saline solution (0.9%) by means of a rubber-tube. The
whole apparatus is fixed on a stand. During respiration, the germinating seeds placed in the glass
bulb absorb O2 from the respirometer and liberate CO2. The caustic potash absorbs the CO2 and a
vacuum is created. So the KOH solution rises in the tube. This proves that CO 2 is liberated
during respiration.
Fig: Ganong’s respirometer (Draw this on left side of record)
Materials Required: Ganong’s respirometer, respiratory substrate (germinating seeds –
Groundnut, Pea), saline water (0.9%), caustic potash pellets, stand, water, filter paper, beaker.
Methodology:
1. The set-up is arranged and germinating seeds were added to fill half of the bulb. Initially air in
the graduated tube was kept in direct contact with atmospheric air
2. A saline solution (0.9%) was poured into the manometer tube
3. The saline level in both the tubes was brought to same level and the stopper was twisted in a
way that two holes were not aligned and the bulb was closed.
4. The level of the saline water is noted and the set-up was left for half hour after which the levels
of saline in both tubes were checked and noted (V1)
5. Few pellets of KOH was then added to the graduating tube and changes were observed after an
hour (V2) and RQ was calculated.
Calculation:
a) Groundnut
RQ= V2/V1+V2
V1 = Final saline level – Initial saline level
V2 = Saline level after adding KOH
Initial saline level (a) = 89 ml
Saline level after half hour (b) = 90 ml
Saline level after adding KOH (one hour) (c) = 92
V1 = b - a = 1
V2 = c-b = 2
RQ =
b) Pea
RQ= V2/V2-V1
Result: RQ of groundnut was found to be…. and of pea was…
Discussion:
Application: