Final answer:
Germinating peas use more cellular respiration compared to dry peas because they require energy for growth and development. During germination, stored nutrients in dry peas are broken down to provide energy for metabolic processes in seedlings. This increased cellular respiration is essential for various cellular functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When peas are germinating, they use more cellular respiration compared to dry peas because germinating peas require energy for growth and development. During germination, the stored nutrients in dry peas are broken down to provide energy for the seedling's metabolic processes. As a result, more cellular respiration takes place to convert the stored nutrients into usable energy (ATP). This is necessary for various cellular functions like protein synthesis, cell division, and enzyme activity.
For example, the active protein translational machinery and the TCA-oxidative phosphorylation cycle in mitochondria are enhanced during germination, leading to increased cellular respiration. Additionally, the identified proteins involved in regulatory functions for gene expression, signaling pathways, and cell cycle also contribute to the higher cellular respiration observed in germinating peas.
In contrast, dry peas do not require as much energy because they are in a dormant state and are not actively growing or metabolizing. The energy-demanding processes that occur during germination, such as the development of roots and shoots, demand higher cellular respiration.