Final answer:
Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is the enzyme that facilitates the release of water and bicarbonate from duct cells, particularly in the pancreas for digestive processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme that promotes water and bicarbonate release from duct cells is carbonic anhydrase (CA). In the pancreas, this enzyme helps to produce bicarbonate (HCO3-) to buffer the acidic chyme coming from the stomach. Secretin, a hormone released in response to the presence of acidic chyme in the duodenum, stimulates the pancreatic duct cells to release a bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice. This process allows for acid-base balance in the digestive tract by neutralizing the stomach acids.
This enzyme is also involved in other processes such as the transportation of CO2 in red blood cells and the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.