What is the respiratory quotient, and how does substrate utilization affect it?

What is the respiratory quotient, and how does substrate utilization affect it?

• A. RQ = CO2 produced / O2 consumed; fats ~0.7, carbohydrates ~1.0.
• B. RQ = O2 consumed / CO2 produced; fats ~0.7, carbohydrates ~1.0.
• C. RQ measures metabolic rate.
• D. RQ is constant at 0.8 regardless of metabolism.

Answer: (A)