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Question #46315
The Question
A novel genetic disorder is characterized by a dual phenotype: a significantly reduced capacity for venous blood to transport carbon dioxide, and severe muscle spasms due to hyperactive reflex arcs. The disorder is traced to a defect in a ubiquitous membrane transport principle involving chloride ions. Which of the following statements correctly explains the physiological basis of this dual phenotype?
Options
- A.
Defective chloride channels prevent the influx of Cl- during the repolarization phase of neurons and block the Hamburger phenomenon in erythrocytes.
- B.
Impaired chloride conductance disrupts electrical neutrality during bicarbonate efflux in erythrocytes and prevents hyperpolarization at inhibitory synapses.
- C.
The mutation inhibits the active transport of Cl- out of erythrocytes and prevents the generation of Excitatory Post-Synaptic Potentials (EPSPs) in motor neurons.
- D.
Failure of chloride efflux in erythrocytes prevents carbonic anhydrase activity, while in neurons, it lowers the resting membrane potential, causing delayed sensory processing.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Chloride_Shift|Reflex_Arc_Latency|Cochlear_Frequency_Coding
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often compartmentalize physiological concepts, memorizing the 'Chloride Shift' strictly under Respiration and 'Hyperpolarization' under Neural Control.
This question forces the synthesis of Cl- as a universal modulator of electrical and chemical gradients.
It also tests the common misconception of confusing the ionic basis of action potential phases (thinking Cl- is involved in repolarization instead of K+) and confusing EPSPs with IPSPs.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Breathing and Exchange of Gases - Class 11 |
| Concept | Chloride Shift (Hamburger Phenomenon) |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |