RQs Flashcards
which respiratory substrate has the highest energy value
lipids followed by proteins then carbohydrates
why do lipids produce the most ATP
contain more hydrogen atoms per unit mass allowing more ATP to be produced via oxidative phosphorylation
how do you calculate RQ
vol of CO2 produced / vol of O2 consumed
what can RQ values tell us
which substrate is being respired and whether respiration is aerobic or anaerobic
what is the typic RQ value for lipids
0.7
what is the typic RQ value for proteins
0.9
what is the typic RQ value for carbohydrates
1.0
why do lipids and proteins have a lower RQ value than carbs
more oxygen is required to oxidise fats and proteins
what does an RQ greater than 1 indicate
organisms are respiring anaerobically or short of oxygen
why might plants have a low RQ
during photosynthesis, some CO2 is used and not measured
