Cell Biology: Yeast Respiration

See real-time evidence that yeast cells can respire both aerobically (with oxygen) and anaerobically (without oxygen), and determine what happens to the yeast cells when the dissolved oxygen (DO) supply is depleted.

Motion Sensors

Dissolved oxygen concentration drops dramatically as oxygen is consumed during aerobic respiration. Enlarge graph.

Lab Summary:

Using direct observation and a dissolved oxygen sensor, students will see that when yeast cells respire aerobically, oxygen is used up, and a gas (CO2) is formed. They will also see that the yeast cells continue to respire even when the oxygen in the water has been used up. They will see that when the concentration of dissolved oxygen is zero, yeast cells continue to produce gas bubbles, showing their capacity to respire anaerobically.

Download free labs:

(student versions)

Computer-based lab (PDF, 484 KB)

Xplorer GLX-based lab (PDF, 664 KB)

Method:

Use the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor to see that as yeast cells respire aerobically, oxygen is used up, and a gas (CO2) is formed.

Here's What You Need:

Required for computer-based lab:

(See lab download for Xplorer GLX-based lab requirements, which may differ)

Probeware

Other Materials

  • Clamp, Buret (SE-9446)
  • Small Base & Support Rod (SE-9451)
  • High-intensity Lamp, such as one with a 100-watt Fluorescent Bulb
  • Beakers (2), 250-mL
  • Magnetic Stir Plate and Bar
  • Low-sided Glass or Plastic Dish
  • Magnifying Glass
  • Stirring Rod
  • Graduated Cylinder, 25-mL
  • Water, 200.0 mL
  • Table Sugar, 30.0 g
  • Rapid-rise Baker’s Yeast (such as Fleischmann’s™), 1 package

Lab Manual:

The computer-based activity is included in Explorations in Biology (PS-2807). The Xplorer GLX-based lab is included in Biology with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2820). Both manuals are complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data.

For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware for the activities in the manual. For more, please see:
Computer-based Biology Lab Manual and Bundles
Xplorer GLX-based Biology Lab Manual and Bundles