Metabolism Essay Sample

Question 1

Small animals like rabbits that have high surface area to volume ratio experience high metabolism compared to large animals like elephants that have small surface area to volume ratio. In this case, metabolic rate per body mass for animals concurs with the conception that: metabolic rate per gram in animals tissues decrease with an increase animal’s size.

Question 2

Metabolic rates (per gram) in animals vary with body size owing the fact that surface area to volume ratio decreases as the animal becomes bigger. Apparently, small animals have high surface area to volume ratio, this means that a large part of their body is exposed to the surrounding environment hence a high respiration rate. In essence, for those animals with small body mass to maintain their body metabolism, organic molecules, and oxygen consumption should be maintained at a very high rate. In order for them to curb the loss of energy in the form of heat to the surrounding environment. It is of essence to denote that animals with large body mass have low surface area to volume ratio compared to small animals, in this case, small animals lose energy in form of heat at an alarming rate compared to large animals.

Question 3

Direct calorimetry
Indirect calorimetry- this involves measuring the amount of food ingested by the animal compared to the amount excreted
Respirometry- this method entails determining animal’s respiratory exchange
Isotopic technique- this entails measuring the water flux in animals by employing the use of tritium labeled water.
Question 4
Age
Genetics
Physical activity
Environmental factors
Muscle mass
Diet
Drugs
Gender
Hormonal factors
The factors above affect metabolic rates differently.