Final answer:
The specific equation for the Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) when metabolizing glucose is RER = Vco₂ / Vo₂ = 1, as glucose metabolism involves a 1:1 ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) specifically for glucose or carbohydrates (CHO) is the ratio of the volume of carbon dioxide (CO₂) produced to the volume of oxygen (O₂) consumed during metabolism.
When only glucose is used as a fuel, this ratio is 1:1 because the complete oxidation of glucose uses 6 molecules of oxygen to produce 6 molecules of carbon dioxide, as expressed by the equation for cellular respiration: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O. Consequently, the specific equation for RER when glucose is metabolized is:
RER = Vco₂ / Vo₂ = 6 CO₂ / 6 O₂ = 1
Understanding the RER is crucial in determining the primary source of energy being utilized by the body and can be a significant indicator of metabolic processes under various conditions and diets.