Describe4 marksChallenge
A student uses a simple respirometer to investigate the respiratory quotient (RQ) of germinating sunflower seeds, which have a high lipid content. Over one hour, the student records that 2.5 cm³ of oxygen were consumed and 1.75 cm³ of carbon dioxide were released. The balanced equation for the complete aerobic respiration of a typical fatty acid (palmitic acid) is:
C₁₆H₃₂O₂ + 23 O₂ → 16 CO₂ + 16 H₂O
Describe how the student can determine the RQ from the experimental data, and use the given equation to explain why the experimental RQ value supports the conclusion that the seeds are respiring lipids rather than carbohydrates.