Respiratory quotient

physiology

1. Respiratory Quotient

2. Respiratory Quotient With in a specific time , the ratio of the quantity of carbon dioxide produced to the quantity of oxygen consumed is known as respiratory quotient. Functions: Calculate the quantity of oxygen consumed and quantity of carbon dioxide released by applying the respiratory quotient. Represent the oxidation reaction of various kind of food or substrate. Reflect the metabolic rate of an organism.  

3. The respiratory quotient of most animals at rest is in the range of 0.8 to 0.9. The human respiratory quotient is about 0.85. The respiratory quotient of fats may vary depending on the type of fat. It is necessary to view such data with caution . If a mixture of substrate is being used then figure will be different from the given table on next slide. For example :an respiratory quotient of 0.8 could point to both protein and fat being used.

4. Substrate Respiratory quotient Glucose 1 Fat 0.696 Proteins 0.8

5. Respiratory Quotient Represents types of respiration If Respiratory Quotient is smaller than 1 then it will be aerobic respiration. If Respiratory Quotient is equal to 1 then it will be aerobic respiration. If Respiratory Quotient is greater then 1 then it will be anaerobic respiration. Low value of respiratory quotient indicates that: Aerobic respiration is being carried out. Plants absorb CO2 to carry out photosynthesis. Animals utilizes carbon element to manufacture calcareous shell.

6. High value of Respiratory quotient indicates: Anaerobic respiration is being carried out. Conversion of carbohydrates into fats for example for hibernation. Process of large quantity of food for storage.