Simulation · Biology · Class 11
The respiratory quotient
"The respiratory quotient" is a free, interactive Class 11 Biology simulation for NEET, built on the lesson "Respiratory quotient" in Respiration in Plants. RQ = volume of CO₂ given out ÷ volume of O₂ taken in. Tap each substrate and compare the two columns. Carbohydrate 1.0, protein about 0.9, fat 0.7. RQ tells you what is being respired, though real cells usually burn a mix, never pure fat or pure protein.
From the lesson Respiratory quotient in Respiration in Plants. Change the values and watch what happens.
The respiratory quotientBiology · Class 11
The idea behind it
NCERT §12.7
- The respiratory quotient (RQ), also called respiratory ratio, is the volume of CO₂ evolved divided by the volume of O₂ consumed in respiration.
- RQ depends on which substrate is being respired.
- Carbohydrates completely oxidised give RQ = 1: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy, so RQ = 6CO₂ / 6O₂ = 1.0.
- Fats give RQ below 1. For tripalmitin, 2(C₅₁H₉₈O₆) + 145O₂ → 102CO₂ + 98H₂O + energy, so RQ = 102CO₂ / 145O₂ = 0.7.
- Proteins as substrate give an RQ of about 0.9.
- In living organisms more than one substrate is usually respired at a time; pure proteins or pure fats are never the only substrate.
Questions
2 answers
- What does the "The respiratory quotient" simulation show?
- RQ = volume of CO₂ given out ÷ volume of O₂ taken in. Tap each substrate and compare the two columns.
- Is this simulation free?
- Yes. It is free and runs in the browser on a phone or a laptop. It belongs to the lesson "Respiratory quotient" in Respiration in Plants (Class 11 Biology).
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