Question

Choose the correct answers from the alternatives given :
The respiratory quotient (R. Q.) is less than one in:

• A. fats
• B. carbohydrates
• C. proteins
• D. organic acids

Answer 1

The correct option is A fats

Respiratory quotient is the ratio of the volume of carbon dioxide produced to the volume of oxygen consumed during a particular interval of photosynthesis, it can more or less than one or one or even zero. R.Q is unity in the case of carbohydrates and the respiration is aerobic. R.Q is less than one is both fats and proteins when the respiration is aerobic. R.Q is zero in succulents during the night.

It can be calculated as :

R.Q = Volume of CO${}_2$ evolved / Volume of O${}_2$ absorbed

R.Q is mostly 0.7 in fats , eg , tripalmitin = 102 CO${}_2$ / 145 ${}_2$ =0.7

So , correct statement is ' fats and proteins ' .