Question

What is chloride shift? Write its significance during respiration?

Answer 1

Chloride shift (also known as the Hamburger shift) is a process which occurs in a cardiovascular system and refers to the exchange of bicarbonate (HCO${}_3$${}^{-}$) and chloride (Cl${}^{-}$) across the membrane of red blood cells (RBCs). Chloride shift significance in respiration by, when CO2 enters the blood from the tissues, it passes into the red blood cells and is converted by carbonate dehydratase to bicarbonate (HCO${}_3$${}^{-}$); HCO${}_3$${}^{-}$ ion passes out into the plasma whereas Cl${}^{-}$ migrates into the red blood cells. Reverse changes occur in the lungs when CO${}_2$ is eliminated from the blood.