Question

Assess the statements:
(1) Carbonic anhydrase is present in the erythrocytes.
(2) In erythrocytes, carbon dioxide combines with water and is transported.

• A. Statement 1 is correct and is responsible for statement 2.
• B. Statement 1 is not correct but statement 2 is correct.
• C. Both statements 1 and 2 are wrong.
• D. Statement 1 is correct but not involved in statement 2.
• E. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is wrong.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Statement 1 is correct and is responsible for statement 2.

Carbon dioxide enters red blood cells in the tissue capillaries, where it combines with water to form carbonic acid ($H_{2}C{O}_3$). This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (C.A.), which is found in the red blood cells. Carbonic acid then dissociates to form bicarbonate ions ($HC{O}_3^{-}$ ) and hydrogen ions ($H^{+}$).