What is the defination of respiratory quotient? what are the affecting conditions of respiration?

Answer 1

Definition: The ratio of the volume of carbon dioxide released to the volume of oxygen absorbed by an organism, cell, or tissue over a given time period

Reference: Microsoft® Encarta® 2006. © 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Definition: The Respiratory Quotient (or coefficient), is a dimensionless number used in BMR calculations basal metabolic rate when estimated from carbon dioxide production.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory_quotient

Exercise can be a cause. When we pant, the amount of CO2 and O2 given out would change accordingly. Basically the respiratory quotent measures our metabolism rate.