What is the function of carbonic anhydrase in the blood?
To convert carbon dioxide into oxygen
To convert carbon dioxide into carbonic acid
To convert oxygen into carbon dioxide
To convert bicarbonate into carbon dioxide
Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme present in the blood that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbonic acid (H2CO3). This reaction is important for the transportation of carbon dioxide in the blood and plays a crucial role in maintaining the acid-base balance. Carbonic acid further dissociates into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+), facilitating the transport of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for elimination. Therefore, the function of carbonic anhydrase is to convert carbon dioxide into carbonic acid.
Option 2 is the correct answer.