State that the respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of the number of molecules of carbon dioxide produced to the number of molecules of oxygen taken in, as a result of respiration

SouravOctober 31, 2024

Answer

Statement Verification: The respiratory quotient (RQ) is indeed the ratio of the number of molecules of carbon dioxide produced to the number of molecules of oxygen taken in, as a result of respiration.

Explanation:

The Respiratory Quotient (RQ) is a dimensionless number used in calculations of basal metabolic rate when estimated from carbon dioxide production. It is defined as the ratio of the volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted to the volume of oxygen (O2) consumed during respiration, typically over a specified period.

Mathematical Representation:
RQ = CO2 Produced (in moles or volumes at standard temperature and pressure) / O2 Consumed (in moles or volumes at standard temperature and pressure)

Implications:

• RQ values can indicate the type of fuel being metabolized:
  • RQ ≈ 1.00 for carbohydrates
  • RQ ≈ 0.85 for fats
  • RQ ≈ 0.80 for proteins (though this can vary)
• It’s also influenced by the nutrient load and mix, as hinted in the conversation between Prof Grant Schofield and Boyd Swinburn (Source 2).

References (in URL format, where available, and descriptive text otherwise):

1. Verification of RQ Definition:
   • Unfortunately, none of the provided search results directly link to a source verifying the RQ definition. However, for accuracy:
     • Wikipedia – Respiratory Quotient: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory_quotient (External, not listed in search results but reliable for basic definitions)
2. Source 2 (Conversation between Prof Grant Schofield and Boyd Swinburn)
   • The Science of Human Potential with Prof Grant Schofield: (No direct URL provided in search results, but referenced as “The cause of obesity – opportunistic voracity? – The Science of Human Potential with Prof Grant Schofield”)
3. Other References Listed in Search Results (Unrelated to Direct Question but Provided for Context):
   • Quora – Best Websites for Behavior, Personality, and Psychology Questions: https://www.quora.com/… (Partial URL, as full URL not provided)
   • Tunkel AR, et al. Practice guidelines for the management of bacterial meningitis. Clin Infect Dis. 2004;39(9):1267–1284. doi: 10.1086/425368. (DOI Provided, but not directly relevant to RQ explanation)
   • Bentzon JF, et al. Mechanisms of plaque formation and rupture. Circ Res. 2014;114(12):1852–1866. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.114.302721. (DOI Provided, but not directly relevant to RQ explanation)