Question

Respiratory quotient is zero in succulent plants.why?

Answer 1

In CAM plants, the stomata are open at night and are usually closed during most of the day.. During night, malic acid is synthesized utilising CO2 (dark CO2 fixation) During the dark synthesis of malate in CAM, oxygen is absorbed continuously but, in the early stages, little or no CO2 is evolved. This results in a respi­ratory quotient (R.Q.) of very low or even zero

Answer 2

Respiratory Quotient is zero in succulent plants because:

In Succulent plants, incomplete oxidation of carbohydrates is performed that's why Respiration Quotient is zero.

• For example, Respiration Quotient is zero in succulent plants such as Opuntia.

• Because in this plant stomata open at night time so respiration of carbohydrates occurs in the dark.

• In the dark CO2 is not evolved properly so incomplete oxidation takes place it will result in the production of more organic acids.

That's why Respiration Quotient is zero in succulent plants.