# A student investigates the rate of respiration in germinating seeds and dry (non-germinating) seeds by measuring the temperature change inside sealed containers over 30 minutes. The germinating seeds show a larger temperature increase than the dry seeds. Explain why the germinating seeds produce more heat energy than the dry seeds during this investigation.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — Topic 5 Energy for Life · Explain · 5 marks

> Germinating seeds are seeds that have begun to grow. Dry seeds are dormant and show very little biological activity. Both types of seed are kept in sealed containers at the start of the investigation.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Germinating seeds are actively respiring / have a higher rate of respiration than dry seeds
2. Respiration releases energy (from glucose/food stores)
3. Some of the released energy is transferred as heat (to the surroundings / container)
4. Germinating seeds require energy for growth / cell division / active transport / building new molecules
5. Dry seeds are dormant so metabolic activity / enzyme activity is very low, meaning little respiration occurs and little heat is produced

## Key terms

- [respiration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/respiration)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-investigates-the-rate-of-3d9835eb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.