The Question is from neet-botany respiration-in-plants , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

The respiratory quotient (RQ) of a plant is measured to be 1.  Which substrate is MOST likely being primarily metabolized?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Respiratory Quotient (RQ)
 **Related Topics**: Cellular respiration, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, protein metabolism
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of the stoichiometry of cellular respiration for different substrates.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  RQ = 1
  The RQ is the ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed during respiration.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understanding RQ calculation:
  Reasoning: The RQ is calculated as the volume of $CO_2$ produced divided by the volume of $O_2$ consumed.  Different substrates have different RQ values due to variations in their chemical formulas and the balanced equations for their oxidation.
  Formula/Rule: $RQ = \frac{Volume \ of \ CO_2 \ produced}{Volume \ of \ O_2 \ consumed}$
 2. Analyzing RQ for different substrates:
  Working: 
        * **Carbohydrates:** The general formula for carbohydrates is $C_6H_{12}O_6$. The balanced equation for aerobic respiration of glucose is:
        $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 ightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O$
        In this case, the RQ is $\frac{6}{6} = 1$.
        * **Fats:** Fats have a higher proportion of carbon and hydrogen compared to oxygen. Their oxidation produces more $CO_2$ than is consumed $O_2$. Thus, the RQ is less than 1 (typically around 0.7).
        * **Proteins:** Protein oxidation produces an RQ that varies depending on the amino acid composition, but is generally between 0.8 and 0.9.
        * **Organic acids:**  The RQ for organic acids varies widely depending on the specific acid.
 3. Determining the most likely substrate:
  Result: Since the RQ is 1, the most likely substrate being metabolized is carbohydrates.
  Verification: The balanced equation for glucose oxidation shows an RQ of 1, supporting the conclusion.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Fats have an RQ less than 1.
B :x: Proteins have an RQ between 0.8 and 0.9.
C :x: Organic acids have variable RQ values, not typically 1.
D ✓: Carbohydrates have an RQ of 1, matching the given data.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing RQ with other metabolic ratios:  Students might confuse RQ with other ratios related to respiration or metabolism.
  How to avoid: Clearly understand the definition and calculation of RQ.
  2.Failing to consider stoichiometry: Incorrectly assuming all substrates have the same RQ.
  How to avoid: Learn the balanced equations for the oxidation of different substrates.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the key RQ values for carbohydrates (1), fats (<1), and proteins (0.8-0.9) to quickly identify the likely substrate.
  2.Use the balanced chemical equations to calculate the RQ for each substrate if needed.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Fats

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Proteins

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Organic acids

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Carbohydrates"

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