The reaction being described is; CO2 + H2O = H2CO3 This reaction will be affected if carbonic anhydrase acts as a catalyst will be; that H2CO3 (carbonic acid) will be produced faster. Carbonic anhydrase enzyme balances the pH of the blood and also enables the breathing out of carbon dioxide. The reaction above catalyzed by the enzyme takes place in the red blood cells where carbon dioxide is converted into carbonic acid, which further breaks down into bicarbonate ions and protons.