Respiratory System Exam Questions Related

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Chloride shift occurs from the plasma to the RBC and is meant for

  • A. Formation of Hemoglobinic acid
  • B. Formation of Bicarbonates
  • C. To keep electrostatic neutrality of RBC membrane
  • D. To transport CO2
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To keep electrostatic neutrality of RBC membrane. Chloride shift helps maintain the balance of charges inside and outside red blood cells (RBCs) to prevent excessive positive or negative charges, ensuring the electrostatic neutrality of the RBC membrane. This process involves the exchange of chloride ions between the plasma and RBCs, with chloride moving into the RBCs to balance the outflow of bicarbonate ions during the transport of CO2. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the primary function of chloride shift, which is to maintain the electrostatic neutrality of the RBC membrane. Hemoglobinic acid formation, bicarbonate formation, and CO2 transport are secondary outcomes of the chloride shift process, but the main purpose is to regulate the charge balance within the RBCs.