In succulents, respiratory quotient is less than one due to

Options

A. Incomplete oxidation
B. Incomplete reduction
C. Complete reduction
D. Complete oxidation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Respiratory Quotient (RQ):**
- The respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of the volume of carbon dioxide produced to the volume of oxygen consumed during respiration.
- It is expressed mathematically as:
\[ RQ = \frac{CO_2 \text{ produced}}{O_2 \text{ consumed}} \]

2. **Analyzing the RQ in Succulents:**
- In succulents, the RQ is typically less than 1, especially during the night.
- This indicates that the amount of carbon dioxide produced is less than the amount of oxygen consumed.

3. **Identifying the Cause of Low RQ:**
- The low RQ in succulents is primarily due to the **incomplete oxidation of carbohydrates**.
- During respiration, if carbohydrates are not fully oxidized, it leads to the production of organic acids instead of carbon dioxide.

4. **Examples of Organic Acids:**
- The incomplete oxidation results in the formation of acids such as malic acid and oxalic acid.
- In some extreme cases, succulents may not release any carbon dioxide at all during the night.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, the reason for the respiratory quotient being less than 1 in succulents is due to **incomplete oxidation** of carbohydrates.

6. **Final Answer:**
- The correct option is: **Incomplete oxidation**.

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