Question

The enzyme carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the formation of carbonic acid from carbon dioxide and water. Imagine that you have two sealed tubes with carbon dioxide gas above a buffer containing water and carbon dioxide. One tube has carbonic anhydrase and the other does not. After 24 hours, both tubes are at equilibrium. Which statement below accurately describes the conditions in the tubes?
A. The tubes will have equal concentrations of carbon dioxide and carbonic acid
B. The tube with carbonic anhydrase will have a lower concentration of carbon dioxide and a higher concentration of carbonic acid than the tube with any enzyme.
C. The tube with carbonic anhydrase will have a higher concentration of carbonic acid than the tube with any enzyme, but the concentration of carbon dioxide will be the same in both tubes.
D. The tube with carbonic anhydrase will have a higher concentration of carbon dioxide and a lower concentration of carbonic acid than the tube with any enzyme.
E. It is not possible to determine the relative concentrations of the products and reactants without more information about carbonic anhydrase, such as the Km.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is B: "The tube with carbonic anhydrase will have a lower concentration of carbon dioxide and a higher concentration of carbonic acid than the tube with any enzyme."

Explanation:

Since there is an enzyme present that catalyzes (i.e., speeds up) the reaction, it will make the process more efficient and thus, the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbonic acid will occur quicker as compared to the tube that does not have the anhydrase enzyme included in it. More carbonic acid would mean lower concentration of carbon dioxide.