Anaerobic respiration has an infinite RQ value. Why?
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
Respiratory Quotient (RQ) is defined as:
RQ = Volume of CO₂ evolved / Volume of O₂ consumed
In anaerobic respiration (fermentation), no oxygen is consumed (O₂ = 0), but CO₂ is still released.
Example (Alcoholic fermentation):
C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂
RQ = 2CO₂ / 0O₂ = ∞
Hence, RQ is theoretically infinite in anaerobic conditions.
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