Question

3 protein bars were tested to see which of them had the highest amount of carbohydrates. Bar A has an RQ of .65, Bar B has an RQ of 9, and Bar C has an RQ of 4.5.

a. Which bar contains more carbohydrate molecules?

b. Explain how you know.

Answer 1

The correct answer is -

a) Bar B with RQ of 9 contains more carbohydrates.

b) The higher the RQ value above RQ = 1, the higher amount of carbohydrates present.

Step-by-step explanation:

The respiratory quotient or RQ is the representation of the particular metabolized nutrient as lipids, carbohydrates and protein uses different energy pathways and releases a different number of oxygen molecules. It is a basal metabolic rate when estimated from carbon dioxide production.

In the case of protein metabolism, the RQ value is approximately 0.8, for lipids, it is approximately 0.7, and for carbohydrates, it is 1.0. The higher the RQ value above RQ = 1, the higher amount of carbohydrates present.

An RQ of >1.0 suggests excessive carbohydrate provision. And the given case the bar B has a maximum RQ value that is 9.