Respiratory Quotient

Question 1

What is ‘Respiratory quotient’ (RQ)

Answer 1

Ratio of CO2 produced to O2 used to fully oxidise respiratory substrate (RQ caries for each substrate)

CO2 divided by O2

Question 2

Example of RQ calculations

Answer 2

Respiration with glucose:
C6H12O6 + (6)O2 -> (6)CO2 + (6)H2O
(Equations high chance of being balanced in exam)

There is 6O2 and 6CO2
So RQ:
6CO2/O2 = 1.0
(Values can vary)

Question 3

Is intermembrane space more acidic than matrix
What is the term for losing electron?

Answer 3

1) Intermembrane space - more proton (proton acidic)
2) oxidation