QUOTIENT is defined as the ratio of the volume of CO2 liberated for the volume of O2 consumed.RQ = CO2 eliminated / O2 consumed.The value of R.Q. depends UPON the type of respiratory substance utilized.Explanation-When FATS are used in respiration, the RQ is LESS than 1.Calculations for a fatty acid, tripalmitin-2(C51H98O6) + 145O2 102CO2 + 98H2O + energyRQ = 102CO2/145O2 = 0.7 The R.Q. of Carbohydrates is 1 C6H12O6 + 6O2 +6H2O 6CO2 + 12H2O + EThe R.Q. of proteins is 0.8 or 0.9 or <1The R.Q. of organic acids such as malic acid is more than 1 or >1.