Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Test your understanding with the Anatomy and Physiology II Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed. Prepare efficiently and boost your confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in the body?

Helps in hormone regulation
Converts carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid
Regulates fluid output
Enables oxygen transport

The correct answer is: Converts carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid

The role of carbonic anhydrase in the body is primarily to facilitate the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into carbonic acid (H2CO3). This enzyme is critical in the process of respiration and maintaining acid-base balance in the body. The reaction it catalyzes is reversible, allowing carbonic acid to dissociate into bicarbonate (HCO3-) and protons (H+), which is essential for buffering the blood and tissues. This buffering action helps to stabilize pH levels despite fluctuations due to metabolic processes. In the lungs, this conversion plays a vital role in expelling carbon dioxide from the bloodstream as it’s converted back into CO2 for exhalation. In addition, in the tissues, it helps to facilitate the uptake of CO2 produced by cellular metabolism, ensuring efficient gas exchange. The proper functioning of carbonic anhydrase thus supports both respiratory and metabolic processes, showcasing its importance in homeostasis.