Question

the enzyme carbonic anhydrase is a protein that binds to two small molecules: water and carbon dioxide. by holding the two molecules in the proper position, the enzyme allows the two molecules to react to form a product, carbonic acid. the enzyme then releases the product and becomes available to catalyze the same reaction once again. how does carbonic anhydrase change the reaction between carbon dioxide and water? a. it increases the total energy released. b. it alters the structure of the product.

Explanation:

Enzymes like carbonic anhydrase are catalysts. Catalysts lower the activation - energy of a reaction, but do not change the total energy released or the structure of the product. They only speed up the rate at which the reaction occurs by bringing the reactants into the proper orientation.

Answer:

Neither A nor B is correct. Carbonic anhydrase acts as a catalyst, lowering the activation - energy of the reaction between carbon dioxide and water, but it does not increase the total energy released or alter the structure of the product.