Database results:
    examBoard: Pearson Edexcel
    examType: IGCSE
    lessonTitle: Respiration Practical
Biology - Human Biology - Human Respiration - Respiration Practical - BrainyLemons
« Back to Menu 🧠 Test Your Knowledge!

Human Respiration » Respiration Practical

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

  • How to investigate human respiration using practical methods
  • How to measure breathing rate and lung capacity
  • How to use a spirometer to measure respiratory volumes
  • How to investigate the effect of exercise on breathing rate
  • How to collect, analyze and interpret respiratory data

Introduction to Respiration Practical Investigations

Respiration is a vital process that provides energy for all living organisms. In this session, we'll explore practical methods to investigate human respiration, focusing on how we can measure different aspects of breathing and analyze the results.

Key Definitions:

  • Respiration: The process by which organisms release energy from food molecules.
  • Aerobic respiration: Respiration that uses oxygen to release energy from glucose.
  • Breathing rate: The number of breaths taken per minute.
  • Lung capacity: The total volume of air that the lungs can hold.
  • Spirometer: A device used to measure lung volumes and breathing rates.

🔥 Aerobic Respiration

Aerobic respiration is the process that releases energy from glucose using oxygen. The chemical equation is:

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy (ATP)

🧬 Anaerobic Respiration

Anaerobic respiration occurs when oxygen is in short supply, such as during intense exercise. In humans, it produces lactic acid:

Glucose → Lactic acid + Energy

C6H12O6 → 2C3H6O3 + Energy (less ATP)

Measuring Breathing Rate

Breathing rate is a simple but important measurement that can tell us a lot about a person's respiratory function and overall health.

How to Measure Breathing Rate

Breathing rate is measured by counting the number of breaths a person takes in one minute. One breath consists of one inhalation (breathing in) and one exhalation (breathing out).

Practical Method

  1. Have the subject sit comfortably and rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Count the number of times their chest rises and falls in 60 seconds.
  3. Record the result as breaths per minute (BPM).
  4. For more accuracy, repeat the measurement 3 times and calculate the average.

Normal breathing rate for a healthy teenager: 12-20 breaths per minute at rest.

Investigating the Effect of Exercise on Breathing Rate

Exercise increases the body's demand for oxygen and energy, which affects breathing rate. This practical investigation allows us to observe and measure these changes.

Practical Investigation: Exercise and Breathing Rate

🔬 Equipment
  • Stopwatch
  • Recording sheet
  • Step or bench for step exercise
📝 Method
  1. Measure resting breathing rate
  2. Exercise for 1 minute (e.g., step-ups)
  3. Immediately measure breathing rate
  4. Rest for 2 minutes, then measure again
  5. Continue measuring every 2 minutes until rate returns to normal
📊 Analysis
  • Plot a graph of breathing rate against time
  • Calculate percentage increase in breathing rate
  • Determine recovery time

When analyzing your results, look for patterns in how quickly breathing rate increases after exercise and how long it takes to return to the resting rate. This recovery time can be an indicator of fitness level.

Measuring Lung Volumes Using a Spirometer

A spirometer is a device that measures the volume of air moving in and out of the lungs. It provides detailed information about lung function and capacity.

Understanding Lung Volumes

Different lung volumes tell us different things about respiratory function:

💪 Key Lung Volumes

  • Tidal volume (TV): The amount of air breathed in or out during normal breathing (about 500ml).
  • Vital capacity (VC): The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after taking the deepest possible breath (about 3-5 litres).
  • Residual volume (RV): The amount of air that remains in the lungs after maximum exhalation (about 1-1.5 litres).

👀 Factors Affecting Lung Volumes

  • Age: Lung capacity decreases with age
  • Height: Taller people generally have larger lung volumes
  • Gender: Males typically have larger lung volumes than females
  • Fitness level: Athletes often have larger vital capacities
  • Smoking: Reduces lung capacity and function

Using a Spirometer

A spirometer measures the volume of air breathed in and out of the lungs. Modern digital spirometers are used in hospitals and clinics, but simpler water displacement spirometers can be used in school laboratories.

Spirometer Practical Method

  1. The subject breathes normally through a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer
  2. The spirometer records the volume of air moved with each breath
  3. A trace or graph is produced showing the breathing pattern
  4. From this trace, different lung volumes can be calculated

Safety note: Mouthpieces should be disinfected between users or disposable mouthpieces should be used to prevent cross-infection.

Investigating Oxygen Consumption During Respiration

A closed spirometer system can be used to measure oxygen consumption, which gives us information about the rate of respiration.

Closed Spirometer System

In a closed spirometer system:

  • The subject breathes in and out of a sealed system containing oxygen
  • Carbon dioxide is absorbed by soda lime in the system
  • As oxygen is used up in respiration, the volume of gas in the system decreases
  • This decrease in volume can be measured to determine oxygen consumption

Case Study: Exercise and Oxygen Consumption

A study of 16-year-old students found that oxygen consumption increased by an average of 15-20 times during vigorous exercise compared to rest. Athletes showed more efficient oxygen use, consuming less oxygen for the same level of activity compared to non-athletes. This demonstrates how the body adapts to regular training by becoming more efficient at using oxygen.

Analyzing and Interpreting Respiratory Data

Collecting data is only the first step. To draw meaningful conclusions, we need to analyze and interpret our results carefully.

Data Analysis Techniques

📈 Statistical Analysis

When analyzing respiratory data:

  • Calculate the mean (average) of repeated measurements
  • Determine the range or standard deviation to assess variability
  • Use percentage change to compare before and after measurements
  • Consider statistical significance if comparing groups

💡 Drawing Conclusions

When interpreting your results:

  • Link your findings to the biological processes involved
  • Consider how your results compare to expected values
  • Identify potential sources of error or variability
  • Suggest improvements to the experimental method
  • Propose follow-up investigations

Experimental Design Tips

To ensure your respiratory investigations produce reliable results:

  • Control variables: Keep factors like room temperature, time of day and activity level before testing consistent
  • Repeat measurements: Take multiple readings and calculate an average
  • Use appropriate sample sizes: Test multiple subjects if possible
  • Consider ethical issues: Ensure subjects are comfortable and can stop if needed
  • Record all observations: Note any unusual findings or circumstances

Summary

Practical investigations of human respiration allow us to observe and measure how our respiratory system responds to different conditions. By measuring breathing rate, lung volumes and oxygen consumption, we can gain insights into respiratory function and fitness levels. These practical skills are essential for understanding the biology of respiration and for developing scientific investigation techniques.

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!
Chat to Biology tutor