Question

Respiratory quotient of carbohydrates is

• A. 1
• B. less than 1
• C. greater than 1
• D. 0.0

Answer 1

The correct option is A 1

Respiratory quotient (RQ) is ratio of volume of carbon dioxide evolved to volume of oxygen consumed. RQ of carbohydrates is 1.

$\underset{Glucose}{C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+6O_2}⟶6C{O}_2+H_{2}O+ATP$

$RQ=\frac{6C{O}_2}{6O_2}=1$

Respiratory quotient is less than 1 when the substrate is fats or proteins. It is higher when the cells do not have access to oxygen. Respiratory quotient is zero during incomplete oxidation.