Question

Respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of:

• A. CO₂ produced to O₂ consumed
• B. CO₂ produced to substrate consumed
• C. oxygen consumed to CO₂ produced
• D. oxygen consumed to water produced

Answer 1

The correct option is A

CO₂ produced to O₂ consumed

The correct option is A

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Respiratory quotient or respiratory ratio is measured by the volume of carbon dioxide released over the volume of oxygen absorbed during the respiration process.
2. The formula is given by: $RQ=\frac{volumeofcarbondioxideproduced}{volumeofoxygenconsumed}perunittime.$
3. It is a valuable measurement as it provides information regarding the nature of the substrate being used by an organism for respiration.
4. The values of RQ are:

1. RQ(carbohydrate)=1
2. RQ( lipid and protein)<1
3. RQ(anaerobic respiration)>1

Final answer: Respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of CO₂ produced to O₂ consumed.