Question

When pulses, which are the rich sources of proteins, are used as respiratory substrate, then RQ obtained is ........

• A. infinity
• B. more than one
• C. one
• D. less than one

Hint:

When proteins are used as respiratory substrates, the RQ is less than one because more oxygen is consumed than carbon dioxide produced.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding RQ (Respiratory Quotient).
Respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of CO2 produced to O2 consumed during respiration. When proteins are used as the respiratory substrate, the RQ value is less than one, indicating that more oxygen is consumed than carbon dioxide produced.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) infinity: Incorrect — RQ cannot be infinity; this occurs in cases of abnormal metabolic processes.
(B) more than one: Incorrect — Proteins as substrates typically yield an RQ less than one.
(C) one: Incorrect — The RQ for proteins is typically less than one, not exactly one.
(D) less than one: Correct — The RQ for proteins is generally less than one because proteins produce more oxygen consumption per CO2 molecule.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) less than one, as proteins have an RQ less than one when used as a respiratory substrate.