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If the intracellular pH of a cell becomes basic, which one of the following will help reduce the pH?

(1) Export of Cl and import of HCO

(2) Import of Cl and export of HCO

(3) Import of Na” and HCO3- and export of Cl

(4) Export of Na’ and Cl

If the intracellular pH becomes too basic, the cell needs to reduce the pH (increase hydrogen ion concentration, [H+]. One effective way is by removing bicarbonate ions (HCO3−​), which act as a buffer and contribute to alkalinity.

Analyzing the Options:

  1. Export of Cl⁻ and import of HCO₃⁻ → Incorrect
    • Importing HCO₃⁻ would make the cell even more basic, which is the opposite of what we want.
  2. Import of Cl⁻ and export of HCO₃⁻ → Correct
    • Exporting HCO₃⁻ helps remove the buffering effect that maintains a high pH.
    • Importing Cl⁻ helps balance the charge but does not directly affect pH.
  3. Import of Na⁺ and HCO₃⁻ and export of Cl⁻ → Incorrect
    • Importing HCO₃⁻ would increase the intracellular pH, making the situation worse.
  4. Export of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ → Incorrect
    • This does not significantly affect intracellular pH.

Final Answer:

(2) Import of Cl⁻ and export of HCO₃⁻

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