The effect of temperature on respiration rate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Alice Lin, Curtis J. Ma, Earvin R. Remandaban, Jacqueline R. Romeyn, and Vivian Wu

Abstract

Respiration plays a crucial role in the function of cells and is necessary for the continuation of life. Aerobic respiration is one of two methods in which Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as yeast, is able to break down glucose. In this study, data were collected to determine whether or not temperature has an effect on the respiration rate of S. cerevisiae under aerobic conditions. Using respirometers, yeast culture medium was placed into four experimental water baths set to temperatures of 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 40°C, respectively. An additional positive and negative control temperature of 35°C was used with yeast and without yeast respectively. Yeast aggregates obtained through centrifugation were mixed with standard YPD medium and placed into a respirometer in the appropriate water bath. Displacement of fluid in the respirometers was measured at 15-minute intervals for a total of 60 minutes and total height difference as a result of fluid displacement via carbon dioxide pressure was determined. The data suggest that yeast respiring at 30°C rather than the optimal temperature of 35°C (Arroyo-Lopez et al. 2011) displace the highest amount of fluid with a value of 1.37 cm. Based upon comparisons of 95% confidence intervals and rates of fluid displacement (RFD) calculated, the null hypothesis that higher temperatures either decrease or have no effect on respiration rates of S. cerevisiae could not be rejected.