Explain7 marksChallenge
A researcher investigated carbon dioxide transport in human blood. Blood samples were taken from a volunteer at rest and immediately after 5 minutes of vigorous exercise. The concentration of chloride ions (Cl⁻) inside red blood cells (RBCs) and in plasma was measured. The results are shown in the table below.
| Condition | [Cl⁻] in RBCs (mmol dm⁻³) | [Cl⁻] in plasma (mmol dm⁻³) |
|---|---|---|
| At rest | 70 | 110 |
| After exercise | 85 | 95 |
Explain the mechanism of the chloride shift that accounts for the changes in Cl⁻ concentration observed after exercise, and discuss the importance of this process in carbon dioxide transport.