Question

The approach most commonly used to measure metabolic rate is to measure the rate of O2 consumption. Although there are small errors inherent in this method, it is easy, and provides a good estimate of metabolic rate. Why is the rate of oxygen consumption an appropriate measure of metabolic rate?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Metabollic rate is the amount of energy expended from an organism at a given point in time.

Equation of how glucose (food) is broken down via respiration:

C6H12O6(s) + 6O2(g) --> 6H2O(l) + 6CO2(g)

The amount of energy produced for the types of food is roughly proportional to the amount of oxygen use, so that the metabolic rate can be measured by measuring the rate of oxygen consumption.