Which statement about chloride is true?

Which statement about chloride is true?

• A. Maintains fluid balance and production of gastric juices
• B. Transports oxygen
• C. Builds bone tissue
• D. Stores energy

Answer: (A)

Chloride is a key electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body and is a major component of gastric juice. In the stomach, chloride ions pair with hydrogen ions to form hydrochloric acid (HCl), creating the acidic environment necessary for digestion. This combination of maintaining proper fluid balance and enabling gastric acid production is what makes the statement true. Other roles listed don’t describe chloride: transporting oxygen is the job of hemoglobin, bone building is driven by calcium and phosphate, and storing energy is a function of fats and other energy stores, not chloride.

Chloride is a key electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body and is a major component of gastric juice. In the stomach, chloride ions pair with hydrogen ions to form hydrochloric acid (HCl), creating the acidic environment necessary for digestion. This combination of maintaining proper fluid balance and enabling gastric acid production is what makes the statement true. Other roles listed don’t describe chloride: transporting oxygen is the job of hemoglobin, bone building is driven by calcium and phosphate, and storing energy is a function of fats and other energy stores, not chloride.