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Question #46732
The Question
A patient is administered Acetazolamide, a potent inhibitor of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Which of the following represents the correct physiological cascade regarding gaseous transport and respiratory regulation?
Options
- A.
Decreased HCO3- formation in erythrocytes -> Cessation of the Hamburger phenomenon -> Systemic hypercapnia -> Activation of the medullary chemosensitive area -> Hyperventilation.
- B.
Increased CO2 accumulation in erythrocytes -> Enhanced inward chloride shift to maintain neutrality -> Respiratory acidosis -> Activation of aortic body receptors -> Hypoventilation.
- C.
Inhibition of carbaminohemoglobin formation -> Increased dissolved CO2 in plasma -> Metabolic acidosis -> Suppression of the respiratory rhythm centre -> Hypoventilation.
- D.
Decreased HCO3- efflux from erythrocytes -> Reversal of the chloride shift -> Systemic hypocapnia -> Activation of the pneumotaxic centre -> Hyperventilation.
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 (Hamburger Phenomenon)|Neural Regulation Feedback
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Understanding that the Chloride shift is entirely dependent on the concentration gradient of HCO3- generated by Carbonic Anhydrase.
Students often fail to link the enzymatic failure at the erythrocyte level to the systemic neural feedback loop (medullary chemoreceptors triggering hyperventilation to blow off excess CO2).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell – The Unit of Life - Class 11 |
| Concept | Active vs Passive Gradient Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |