Measuring the rate of respiration against mass, in with Earthworms

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Measuring the rate of respiration against mass, in with Earthworms

Background

Gaseous exchange in Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) occurs through the skin where the capillaries transport the blood close to the external environment, the epidermis of the skin consists of a columnar epithelial cells and mucus secreting cells. The epidermis is covered by a protective layer and is also the main respiratory surface.

The purpose of this experiment is to determine whether there is a relation between mass of the earthworm and the rate of respiration.

Results

Using the equation ?r2h = volume of oxygen used (cm3) for the five minute period, it is possible to work out oxygen consumption per hour by multiplying this by 12, as 12*5min=60 mins

(Where: r= radius of manometer h= distance moved by fluid)
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Mass of worm /g

Time /m

Dist. moved by liquid in Manometer (for 5min period) /mm

O2 Consumption cm3/h

2.76

5

2

.81

0

3

.96

.44

5

9

.36

0

5

0.75

Average consumption

.81+1.96 / 2 = 1.89 cm3/h

0.75+1.36 / 2 = 1.06 cm3/h

When combined with the rest of the class's data the following graph can be produced to directly compare the relation between mass and O2 consumption (see graph sheet).

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