BIOMOLECULES AND ENZYMES

Detailed explanation-1: -Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that assists rapid inter-conversion of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid, protons and bicarbonate ions. This enzyme was first identified in 1933, in red blood cells of cows.

Detailed explanation-2: -Carbonic anhydrase facilitates uptake of carbon dioxide by catalyzing the hydration of CO2 dissolved in blood to the more soluble bicarbonate ( HCO 3 − ). A zinc ion (Zn2+), coordinated by three histidine ligands and a water (H2O), centers the catalytically active site (Fig. 4.1).

Detailed explanation-3: -[2] Most of the carbon dioxide diffusing through the capillaries and ultimately into the red blood cells combines with water via a chemical reaction catalyzed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase catalyzes, forming carbonic acid.