The chloride shift associated with the transport of CO₂ in mammals A) allows large amounts of hydrogen carbonate to be exchanged between erythrocytes and plasma. B) maintains the electrical balance between plasma and erythrocytes. C) requires the movement of Cl^- ions into the erythrocyte in lungs to enable the diffusion of CO₂ out of the erythrocyte. D) is necessary to balance the H⁺ ions produced from the dissociation of H₂CO₂. E) All of the answers are correct.

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The chloride shift is a process in mammals that involves the exchange of bicarbonate (HCO3-) and chloride (Cl-) ions between erythrocytes (red blood cells) and plasma. This mechanism allows for the efficient transport of carbon dioxide (CO2) from tissues to the lungs for exhalation. It helps in maintaining electrical neutrality in erythrocytes, facilitates the removal of CO2 by converting it into bicarbonate for transport in the plasma, and balances the hydrogen ions produced during the dissociation of carbonic acid (H2CO3), which is formed from CO2 and water.

The Chloride Shift Associated with the Transport of CO2 in Mammals

The Chloride Shift Associated with the Transport of CO₂ in Mammals