Factors affecting rate of respiration


  • Water - Respiration is slow if water content of cells is low eg dry seeds
  • Type of substrate - glucose is used immediately. Fats used next, then amino acids but must be modified before use
  • Temperature - between 30-35 degrees is most suitable in mammals because respiratory enzymes work best in this range
  • Oxygen - Rate increases with increase in oxygen until optimum
  • Co2- rate decreases with high CO2 concentration
  • State of the cell - working cells (root hair cells, neurons) have a higher rate than for example plant cells as working cells need more energy. Rate also varies in different organs and with age. young parts of plant and muscles of animals have a higher rate.
  • Rate of respiration can be measured by amount of CO2 released.
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