Question

R.Q indicates
A. Effect of temperature
B. Nature of respiratory substrate
C. Amount of water released
D. Type of alcohol formed

Answer 1

Hint: Respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of the amount of carbon dioxide released to the amount of oxygen taken in respiration in the specific period of time at a standard temperature as well as pressure.

Complete answer:
> Option A - Effect of Temperature - The rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction rises as the temperature is raised. A ten degree Centigrade increase in temperature will raise the activity of most enzymes by 50 to 100%.

> Option B - Nature of Respiratory substrate- R.Q. is one that refers to the amount of carbohydrates being oxidised during respiration. Likewise, if the amount is less than one it will be considered as organic matter like fats that includes the respiratory substrates.

> Option C - Amount of Water released- Water is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, as well as nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the key constituent of Earth's hydrosphere along with the fluids of all known living organisms. It is an essential element for all known forms of life, even though it includes no calories or organic nutrients.

> Option D - Formation of alcohols- Alcohols can be formed using the method of fermentation. Fermentation is usually a process done by using yeast to act on carbohydrates resulting in ethanol along with carbon dioxide.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: RQ = $\dfrac{CO_2 \text {eliminated}}{O_2 \text {consumed}}$
Amount of RQ varies with the respiratory substrates and their oxidation. Thus, that measurement of RQ provides information about the nature of the substrate being respired by a particular tissue.