The respiratory quotient (RQ) of a respiring organism or tissue can provide valuable insights into its metabolic state and the substrates being catabolised.
State the equation used to calculate the respiratory quotient (RQ).
Table 1.1 shows the RQ values of a hibernating mammal, the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), measured under three different physiological states.
| Physiological State | Description | Respiratory Quotient (RQ) |
|---|---|---|
| State A | Active foraging in summer | 0.96 |
| State B | Mid-winter deep torpor | 0.70 |
| State C | Rapid arousal from torpor (shivering) | 1.35 |
Using the data in Table 1.1, determine the primary respiratory substrate being metabolised, or the type of respiration occurring, in:
