Final answer:
The statement is true; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors like acetazolamide can cause a metallic taste in the mouth by inhibiting the enzyme that helps convert CO₂ into carbonic acid, leading to side effects due to changes in the body's chemistry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors can cause a metallic taste in the mouth is indeed true. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide, are used to inhibit enzymes that facilitate the conversion of bicarbonate into carbon dioxide. This action can lead to a variety of side effects, one of which is the alteration of taste sensation, resulting in a metallic taste.
Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme found in red blood cells that catalyze the reaction of CO₂ with water to form carbonic acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, medications like acetazolamide can reduce the production of bicarbonate ions, thereby affecting the transport of anions -> such as bicarbonate -> through the plasma membrane. This interaction with the body's chemistry is what can lead to the reported metallic taste in the mouth for some patients.
The functional role of zinc in carbonic anhydrase showcases the importance of this enzyme in maintaining the acid-base balance in the blood, further highlighting the significant impact carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can have on bodily functions.