Question

What is chloride shift?

(a) Movement of chloride ion from plasma to WBC

(b) Movement of chloride ion from plasma to RBC

(c) Movement of chloride ion from WBC to plasma

(d) Movement of chloride ion from RBC to plasma

This question was addressed to me in an online interview.

The above asked question is from Transport of Gases topic in portion Breathing and Exchange of Gases of Biology – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) Movement of chloride ion from plasma to RBC

To elaborate: In response of bicarbonate ion, chloride ions diffuse from plasma into the erythrocyte to maintain the ionic balance. Thus, electrochemical neutrality is maintained. This is called chloride shift or Hamburger phenomenon.