Cellular Respiration

The Cellular Respiration Lab covers the main pathways of glucose metabolism and energy use. The storyline starts with a contract for the student by the National Football Team to perform a study on how our body utilizes the energy. The goal is to improve the training plan of the players. After a general introduction to basic concepts guided by a conversation with your colleague you have to make decisions about the design of the experimental set up.

You perform respirometry experiments with mice running at different speeds and under different oxygen levels availability. After the analysis of your results you will prepare a report with suggestions for the coach of the team. Will the new training plan improve the achievements of the football players?

Your colleague will guide you through the most important metabolic routes using detailed animations to make it easier the visualization of the complex molecular components such as the electron transport chain protein complexes.

You will have to think about the best experimental strategy, thinking about animal models and your experimental observables. You will use a respirometer to measure oxygen consumption, and a chip that senses lactate and glucose blood levels to measure how cells utilize the energy.

You will analyze the data from your experiments and use your results to give advice to the coach of your national football team. Would that have an impact in the team´s achievements?