When CO 2 enters the red blood cell and is converted to bicarbonate, the outward movement of HCO 3 - is balanced by inward movement of chloride, a phenomenon called:

🔬 Biology · Breathing and Exchange of Gases · NEET

When CO2 enters the red blood cell and is converted to bicarbonate, the outward movement of HCO3- is balanced by inward movement of chloride, a phenomenon called:

Answer: Chloride shift.

A Bohr effect
B Chloride shift
C Haldane effect
D Root effect

Correct answer: B. Chloride shift

Explanation: The chloride shift (Hamburger phenomenon) is the movement of Cl- ions into the erythrocyte to maintain electrical balance as HCO3- diffuses out.

The S-shaped (sigmoid) curve reflects cooperative binding between Hb's four O₂ sites; the Bohr effect shifts the whole curve to the right under conditions found in actively respiring tissue (more CO₂, more acid, more heat), making haemoglobin release oxygen more readily exactly where it's needed.

Concept context

The mechanics of breathing, lung volumes, gas transport in blood, the Bohr effect, and respiratory regulation.

Read the full Breathing and Exchange of Gases notes →

When CO<sub>2</sub> enters the red blood cell and is converted to bicarbonate, the outward movement of HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> is balanced by inward movement of chloride, a phenomenon called:

Concept context

More Breathing and Exchange of Gases questions