Carbonic anhydrases are zinc-containing enzymes that catalyze the reversible reaction of conversion between CO2 and bicarbonates (carbon dioxide hydration and bicarbonate dehydration). The conversion of bicarbonate to CO2 facilitates its entry into the cell. On the other hand, the conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate helps keep the CO2 inside the cell.
This enzyme is important in all living organisms for maintenance of acid-base balance (regulates pH ). For example, carbonic anhydrases lowers pH in the stomach by producing an acid.
Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme responsible for accelerating the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbonic acid, and is responsible for controlling blood pH. When this enzyme is inhibited by some molecule. In addition, inhibition of this enzyme reduces the amount of bicarbonate formed in the blood, since there will be no conversion of carbonic acid occurring at speed.
