Question:

Respiratory quotient is represented as _______

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RQ is the volume of carbon dioxide released divided by the volume of oxygen consumed.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • \(\frac{\text{CO}_{2}\ \text{consumed}}{\text{O}_{2}\ \text{evolved}}\)
  • \(\frac{\text{O}_{2}\ \text{released}}{\text{CO}_{2}\ \text{consumed}}\)
  • \(\frac{\text{O}_{2}\ \text{consumed}}{\text{CO}_{2}\ \text{released}}\)
  • \(\frac{\text{CO}_{2}\ \text{released}}{\text{O}_{2}\ \text{consumed}}\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The respiratory quotient (RQ) compares the carbon dioxide given out with the oxygen taken in during respiration.

Step 2: Formula
\(\text{RQ}=\dfrac{\text{volume of CO}_{2}\text{ released}}{\text{volume of O}_{2}\text{ consumed}}\)
It is 1 for carbohydrates, less than 1 for fats and proteins, and infinite in anaerobic respiration.

Step 3: Compare the options
Options (A) and (B) use wrong terms such as carbon dioxide consumed or oxygen evolved, and (C) is the inverted ratio.
Only (D) is correct.

Final Answer:
RQ is carbon dioxide released divided by oxygen consumed, option (D). \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\dfrac{\text{CO}_{2}\text{ released}}{\text{O}_{2}\text{ consumed}}} \]
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