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In the process of transport of CO2 which phenomenon occurs between RBCs and plasma
  • a)
    Osmosis
  • b)
    Adsorption
  • c)
    Chloride shift
  • d)
    Absorption
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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In the process of transport of CO2 which phenomenon occurs between RBC...
**Chloride Shift in the Transport of CO2 between RBCs and Plasma**

The correct phenomenon that occurs between red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma during the transport of carbon dioxide (CO2) is the **chloride shift**.

During gas exchange in the lungs, oxygen (O2) is taken up by hemoglobin in the RBCs, while CO2 is released from the tissues and diffuses into the blood. CO2 is mainly transported in the blood in three forms: dissolved CO2, bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), and carbamino compounds.

**Chloride Shift Process:**

1. **CO2 Loading in the Tissues:** In the tissues, CO2 diffuses into the RBCs and reacts with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3) through the action of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

2. **Formation of Bicarbonate Ions:** Carbonic acid (H2CO3) dissociates into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+). The bicarbonate ions are then transported out of the RBCs into the plasma in exchange for chloride ions (Cl-) through a process called the chloride shift.

3. **Reverse Chloride Shift in the Lungs:** In the lungs, where the partial pressure of CO2 is lower, the reverse process occurs. Bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) are transported back into the RBCs in exchange for chloride ions (Cl-) from the plasma.

4. **CO2 Unloading in the Lungs:** Inside the RBCs, carbonic acid (H2CO3) is formed again, which then dissociates into CO2 and water (H2O) due to the action of carbonic anhydrase. The CO2 is then released from the RBCs into the alveoli of the lungs, where it can be exhaled.

**Purpose of the Chloride Shift:**

The chloride shift plays a crucial role in CO2 transport as it helps maintain the electrochemical balance and pH of the RBCs. By exchanging bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) for chloride ions (Cl-), it prevents the accumulation of excess bicarbonate ions in the RBCs and maintains the electrical neutrality of the cells. This is important for the proper functioning of various cellular processes.

In summary, during the transport of CO2 between RBCs and plasma, the chloride shift is the phenomenon where bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) are exchanged for chloride ions (Cl-) to facilitate the movement of CO2 out of the tissues and into the lungs. This process helps maintain the electrochemical balance and pH within the RBCs.
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In the process of transport of CO2 which phenomenon occurs between RBC...
Chloride shift also known as the Hamburger phenomenon is a process which occurs in a cardiovascular system and refers to the exchange of bicarbonate (HCO3−) and chloride (Cl−) across the membrane of red blood cells (RBCs).
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