Carbonic anhydrase

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Carbonic anhydrase

Systematic name	carbonate hydro-lyase
Other names	carbonate dehydratase; carbonate anhydrase; carbonic acid anhydrase
EC number	Template:EC number
CAS number	9001-03-0
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Carbonic anhydrase (carbonate dehydratase) is a family of zinc-containing enzymes that catalyze the rapid interconversion of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid, protons, and bicarbonate ions. It increases the efficiency of the reaction about a million-fold. Its active site contains a zinc ion. The primary function of the enzyme, which is found on red blood cells, is to catalyse carbon dioxide.

<math>\rm CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow^{Carbonic\ anhydrase} H_2CO_3</math> (in tissues - high CO₂ concentration)

<math>\rm H_2CO_3 \rightarrow^{Carbonic\ anhydrase} CO_2 + H_2O</math> (in lungs and nephrons of the kidney - high CO₂ concentration)

The rate of reaction of carbonic anhydrase is limited by the diffusion rate of its substrates, meaning carbonic anhydrase is part of an elite group of enzymes catalysing exceptionally rapid reactions.

Acetazolamide is an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase. It is used for glaucoma, epilepsy (rarely), and benign intracranial hypertension.

1 CA families
2 External link

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CA families

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There are at least five evolutionarily distinct CA families (α, β, γ, δ and ε). These families have no significant sequence identity and are thought to exemplify convergent evolution.

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