Measuring metabolic rates : a manual for scientists / John R. B. Lighton.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lighton, John R. B.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Metabolism--Measurement.

Metabolism.

Metabolism--physiology.

Medical Subjects:

Metabolism--physiology.

Physical Description:

xiii, 201 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2008.

Summary:

Measuring metabolic rates is central to important questions in many areas of scientific research, including the human obesity epidemic. Once considered the lesser sibling of molecular genetics and biochemistry, metabolic measurement has regained its stature with the biomedical community, guiding it toward a more complete understanding of whole organisms. These measurements are anything but straightforward, however, and numerous pitfalls await the novice and even the experienced investigator.

Starting with a succinct history of respirometry, Measuring Metabolic Rates demystifies the field, thoroughly describing each common variation of metabolic rate measurement. In clear and readable prose, Lighton treats topics ranging from Gilson constant-pressure respirometers to methods for measuring metabolic rates of wild animals in the field. Respirometry equations - normally a cause of terror and confusion - are derived and described in detail, to aid beginners in their selection and use. Vital topics such as manual and automated baselining, implementing multi-animal systems, and the correct analysis and presentation of metabolic data are also covered.

The physiologist Max Kleiber memorably called aerobic metabolism "the fire of life," and this book is enough to turn any respirometry neophyte into a hardened metabolic warrior, ready to take on the task of measuring the fire of life.

Contents:

1 A Brief History of Metabolic Measurement 3

2 Constant Volume and Constant Pressure Respirometry 7

3 Coulometric Respirometry 18

4 Constant Volume Techniques Using Gas Analysis 23

5 Aquatic Oxygen Analysis 47

6 Direct Calorimetry 63

7 Measuring Field Metabolic Rates 76

8 Flow-Through Respirometry: Overview 84

9 Flow-Through Respirometry: The Equations 100

10 Flow-Through Respirometry Using Incurrent Flow Measurement 105

11 Flow-Through Respirometry Using Excurrent Flow Measurement 124

12 Validating Flow-Through Respirometry 132

13 Respirometric Data Analysis and Presentation 136

14 The Varieties of Gas Analyzers 147

15 The Varieties of Flow Meters 158

16 The Varieties of Activity Detectors 167

17 The Varieties of Scrubbers, Tubing, and Tubing Connectors 171.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 193-196) and index.

ISBN:

9780195310610

0195310616

OCLC:

163625365