Question

Read the following statements and select the correct option.
(i) Carbonic anhydrase is present in the erythrocytes .
(ii) In erythrocytes the carbon dioxide combine with water and is transported.

• A. Statement (i) is correct and is responsible for statement (ii).
• B. Statement (i) is not correct but statement (ii) is correct.
• C. Both statement (i) and (ii) are incorrect.
• D. Statement (i) is correct but not involved in statement (ii).

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Carbonic anhydrase is a zinc containing enzyme present in the red blood cells. In erythrocytes (red blood cells) the carbon dioxide combines with water and is transported. This enzyme assists rapid inter-conversion of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid, protons and bicarbonate ions. This enzyme catalyzes the decomposition of carbonic acid into carbon dioxide and water, facilitating the transfer of carbon dioxide from tissues to blood and from blood to alveolar air.