Question

The enzyme carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the following reaction: CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3, then H2CO3 dissociates reversibly to form H+ + HCO3−. When tissue becomes more active, carbon dioxide increases due to its production in ________, causing hydrogen ion concentration to ________.

Answer 1

Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the conversion of CO2 and H2O into carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate and H+. Increased tissue activity raises CO2 production and subsequently increases hydrogen ion concentration due to the bicarbonate buffer system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme carbonic anhydrase plays a critical role in the transport of carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs. When tissue activity increases, metabolism also increases, leading to higher production of carbon dioxide (CO2). With more CO2 present, it combines with water (H2O) through the action of carbonic anhydrase to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+). As a result, the concentration of hydrogen ions, which determines acidity, increases in the blood. This series of reactions is a part of the bicarbonate buffer system, which helps maintain blood pH within a narrow range. Without carbonic anhydrase, the reaction would be too slow to process all the CO2 produced, potentially leading to a dangerous buildup.