Question

Hamburger's phenomenon involves

• A. the influx of chloride ions into erythrocytes in response to efflux of bicarbonate ions from erythrocytes
• B. efflux of chloride ions from erythrocytes in response to the influx of bicarbonate ions into erythrocytes
• C. the influx of chloride ions into erythrocytes in response to the influx of bicarbonate ions into erythrocytes
• D. efflux of chloride ions from erythrocytes in response to efflux of bicarbonate ions from erythrocytes

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

In simple terms influx means 'coming in' and efflux means 'flowing out'. In the erythrocytes, the carbon dioxide combines with the water present and forms carbonic acid. This acid is dissociated into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase and the bicarbonate ions from the RBC's diffuse into the plasma to combine with sodium. This leaves the RBC's positively charged which causes the chloride ions from the plasma diffuse into the RBCs and balance the charge.