Question

Respiratory coefficient is -

• A. The amount of O₂ obtained to the amount of O₂ consumed.
• B. The amount of CO₂ produced to the amount of O₂ absorbed.
• C. Always more than 1.
• D. Always less than 1.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

The amount of CO₂ produced to the amount of O₂ absorbed.

The respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio: RQ = $\frac{C{O}_{2eliminated}}{C{O}_{2consumed}}$

Where the term "eliminated" refers to the carbon dioxide $\left(C{O}_2\right)$ removed ("eliminated") from the body. The respiratory quotient (or RQ or respiratory coefficient), is a dimensionless number used in calculations of basal metabolic rate (BMR) when estimated from carbon dioxide production. Such measurements, like measurements of oxygen uptake, are forms of indirect calorimetry.