Question

Reproduce the chemical reaction of bicarbonate formation by carbonic anhydrase

a) H₂CO₃ + H₂O → HCO₃- + H₃O+
b) CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃ → HCO₃- + H+
c) HCO₃- + H+ → CO2 + H₂O
d) H₂O + CO2 → HCO₃- + H₃O+

Answer 1

The reaction catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase is the conversion of dissolved CO₂ and water into carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO₃-) and hydrogen ions (H+), facilitating CO₂ transport in the blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carbonic Anhydrase Reaction

The reaction catalyzed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase is critical in physiological processes such as respiration and maintaining acid-base balance in the blood. This reaction involves the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which then dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO₃-) and hydrogen ions (H+). Here is the sequence of steps facilitated by carbonic anhydrase:

CO₂ (dissolved) + H₂O ⇒ H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid)

H₂CO₃ ⇌ HCO₃- (bicarbonate ion) + H+

This biocatalyzed reaction is efficient and quick, allowing for the conversion of CO₂ into a form that can be transported in the blood to the lungs to be exhaled.