Respirometer

Quick answer: A Respirometer is a biology lab instrument used to measure gas exchange (oxygen consumption or carbon dioxide output) in small living organisms such as germinating seeds, insects or small invertebrates. Respirometer is priced at approximately ₹420 (indicative market benchmark, incl. GST, August 2026).

The Respirometer is a standard apparatus in school and college biology laboratories, used to study cellular respiration by measuring the rate at which a small organism consumes oxygen or produces carbon dioxide over time. A typical design uses a sealed chamber connected to a graduated dual-tube manometer: as the organism respires and consumes oxygen (often with a CO2-absorbing substance such as soda lime included to remove respired CO2 from the system), the resulting pressure change moves a liquid column in the manometer, which students read and use to calculate the respiration rate. Respirometers are used in practicals covering germinating seeds, small invertebrates (such as woodlice or maggots), and comparisons of respiration rate under different temperature or activity conditions, forming a core part of metabolism and respiratory-quotient topics in the biology syllabus.

Technical Specifications

Applications

• Measuring oxygen consumption rate in germinating seeds or small invertebrates
• Practical demonstrations of cellular respiration and metabolic rate for biology coursework
• Comparative experiments on respiration rate under different temperature or activity conditions
• Calculating respiratory quotient as part of advanced biology practicals

Care & Maintenance

• Check tube and chamber seals before each use to ensure accurate, leak-free pressure readings
• Clean the chamber between uses to avoid cross-contamination between specimen trials
• Store the manometer tubing carefully to avoid kinks or breakage of the glass/plastic components

Why Choose STEMAids

STEMAids supplies a wide range of Biology Lab Products including Cardboard Slide Trays for related laboratory and classroom needs. Eduscope Smart Learning Solutions Private Limited is a Udyam-registered micro manufacturing enterprise (UDYAM-DL-06-0069460) and ISO 9001:2015 certified, supplying schools, colleges and vocational institutes across India and for export.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Respirometer measure?

It measures the rate of gas exchange — typically oxygen consumption — in a small living organism, which is used to calculate its respiration rate as part of a biology practical.

What specimens are commonly used with this apparatus?

Common classroom specimens include germinating seeds and small invertebrates such as woodlice or maggots, depending on the specific practical being conducted.

Why is soda lime often used alongside the respirometer?

Soda lime absorbs the carbon dioxide produced by the specimen’s respiration, so the pressure change measured in the manometer reflects oxygen consumption specifically rather than the net effect of both gases.

Is this apparatus suitable for both school and college-level practicals?

Yes — respirometers of this kind are used across secondary school and undergraduate biology syllabi for respiration-rate and metabolism-related experiments, with the complexity of the practical varying by level.

Are exact chamber dimensions available for tender specification?

Exact chamber volume and tube calibration have not been independently verified for this listing. Institutions preparing tender documents should confirm precise specifications directly with STEMAids before finalising procurement paperwork.

Is STEMAids a registered manufacturer of this product?

Yes. Eduscope Smart Learning Solutions Private Limited is a Udyam-registered micro manufacturing enterprise (UDYAM-DL-06-0069460) and is ISO 9001:2015 certified. See the About page for full registration and certification details — manufacturer-stated, verify before citing in procurement documents.

Last updated: 29 August 2026.