In a vastly simplified view of human metabolism, we can assume that the body is

Question

In a vastly simplified view of human metabolism, we can assume that the body is deriving energy primarily from the following two reactions that are happening at the same time: The first reaction more or less corresponds to "burning fat" while the second one corresponds to "burning sugar." In a metabolic experiment, an individual running on a treadmill is fitted with a mask delivering air and analyzing exhaled gas. Fresh air is delivered to the individual at a rate of 10 L/min, and is assumed to contain 77.4% N2, 20.6% O2, and 2.0% H2O only. The exhaled gas steady-state composition is measured to be 15.1% O2, 3.7% CO2, 6.2% H2O, and 75.0% N2. Calculate the rate of production of CO2 and the rate of consumption of O2 in L/min. Using the ideal gas law, calculate the corresponding rates in moles/min assuming that the temperature of all gases is 25 degree C and the total pressure is 1 atm at time of measurement. What is the fractional conversion of oxygen due palmitic acid oxidation and due to glucose oxidation, respectively?

Explanation / Answer

O2 consumed in oxidation = 20.6% - 15.1% = 5.4%

5.4% of 10 L= 0.054L

rate of O2 consumed = 0.054L/min

rate of CO2 produced = 10x3.7/100L/min =0.037L/min

PV = nRT

P=1atm T= 298K R=0.08205Latm/mol-K,

for O2

n= PV/RT = 1x 0.054/0.08205 x 298 =0.054 /24.4509=2.2085x10^-3 mol

Rate = 2.2085x10^-3 mol /min

for CO2

n=PV / RT = 0.037 /24.4509 = .5132x10^-3mol

Rate = .5132x10^-3mol/min

b) - if all C O2 is produced due to acid oxidation

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