Question

Define Hamburger’s phenomenon. Add a note on it.

Answer 1

Hamburger’s phenomenon or chloride shift refers to diffusion of chloride ions into the RBCs of to maintain the ionic balance between the RBCs and the plasma.

The rate of formation of carbonic acid inside the RBC is very high as compared to its formation in the plasma. Carbonic acid being unstable almost immediately dissociates into HCO3 − and H+ in the presence of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) leading to accumulation of large amount of HCO3 − inside the RBCs.

CO2 + H2O →CA ← H2CO3 →CA ← H+ + HCO3 − It thus, moves out of the RBCs causing an imbalance of the charge inside the RBCs. To maintain the ionic balance between the RBCs and the plasma, Cl- diffuses into the RBCs.