The enzyme that increases the reaction rate between CO2 and H2O in red...
About 70% of CO2 is transported in plasma in the form bof bicarbonates, CO2 diffuses into RBCs, combines with water and form carbonic acid. Carbonic acid being unstable quickly dissociates into bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions. This reaction is thousand times faster in RBCs as compared to plasma, as RBCs contain carbonic anhydrase enzyme that reversibe catalyses the conversion of CO2 and water to carbonic acid.
The enzyme that increases the reaction rate between CO2 and H2O in red...
Introduction to Carbonic Anhydrase
Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a crucial enzyme found in red blood cells that catalyzes the reversible reaction between carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). This reaction is vital for maintaining acid-base balance and facilitating gas exchange in the body.
Function of Carbonic Anhydrase
- Catalytic Activity: CA significantly increases the rate of the reaction between CO2 and H2O, enhancing the conversion of these substrates into bicarbonate (HCO3-) and protons (H+).
- Rapid Reaction: Without carbonic anhydrase, this reaction would occur at a much slower pace. The enzyme can accelerate the reaction by up to a million times, making it essential for efficient respiratory function.
Importance in Red Blood Cells
- Gas Exchange: In the lungs, CO2 from the blood is converted to bicarbonate via the action of carbonic anhydrase, allowing for efficient transport of CO2 from tissues to the lungs for exhalation.
- pH Regulation: The conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate also plays a crucial role in regulating blood pH, helping to maintain homeostasis in the body's acid-base balance.
Conclusion
In summary, carbonic anhydrase is the enzyme that catalyzes the reaction between CO2 and H2O in red blood cells, making it indispensable for effective respiration and pH regulation. Its ability to accelerate this reaction is why option 'A' is the correct answer.