Oxygen Consumption in Pea Respiration Experiment

Steps:

• Peas undergo aerobic respiration, consuming oxygen from the surrounding air in the tube.
• Oxygen depletion creates lower pressure inside the tube compared to outside.
• Atmospheric pressure pushes the oil drop towards the peas (leftward movement).
• This visible drop movement indicates oxygen uptake by respiring peas.

Why A is correct:

• Aerobic respiration follows the equation C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy, where oxygen is consumed, reducing gas volume and causing the oil drop to move left.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Oil drop movement occurs due to oxygen depletion, not balanced usage preventing motion.
• C: Peas consume oxygen, not release it; no absorption of released gases in this setup causes immobility.
• D: Oil drop moves left from oxygen use, not right from CO2 release, which does not create the pressure differential.

Final answer: A