Chapter 14: Problem 70
The first-order rate constant for the dehydration of carbonic acid:
Short Answer
Expert verified
Carbonic anhydrase accelerates CO2 removal, matching physiological demands despite a high intrinsic rate.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Chemical Reaction
The dehydration of carbonic acid is a chemical reaction where carbonic acid ( ) splits into carbon dioxide ( ) and water ( ). The transformation can be represented as: This process is significant in various biological systems, particularly in the context of respiration.
02
Analyze the Role of the Rate Constant
The first-order rate constant for this reaction is given as . This indicates that the reaction proceeds at a relatively fast pace under normal conditions due to the high value of . First-order reactions have rate laws of the form , thus, suggesting the reaction does not necessitate catalysis under basic chemical conditions.
03
Examine Biological Relevance in the Lungs
In biological systems, such as the human lungs, rapid elimination of formed is crucial for maintaining proper gas exchange and systemic pH balance. Despite a high rate constant under chemical conditions, physiological reactions may demand even greater speed to meet biological needs. This situation arises because living systems operate under different constraints than simple chemical reactions, such as the need to quickly expel CO2 initially dissolved in blood.
04
Discuss the Role of Carbonic Anhydrase
Carbonic anhydrase is the enzyme that catalyzes the hydration and dehydration of carbonic
acid in the blood, enhancing the reaction rate beyond the capability of the intrinsic rate constant alone.
Although the rate constant is high, the enzyme ensures the reaction proceeds at optimal physiological rates necessary
for efficient respiratory function, facilitating rapid removal of carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into lung air spaces.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Dehydration of Carbonic Acid
Dehydration of carbonic acid is a chemical process where carbonic acid ( ) breaks down into carbon dioxide ( ) and water ( ). This reaction plays a crucial role in our body's respiratory system, especially in the lungs.
- The chemical equation is:
. - This transformation helps in expelling
, a waste product, from our body. - The reaction naturally occurs quite fast, with a rate constant indicating a speedy process even without extra help.
Reaction Rate Constant
A reaction rate constant is a numerical value that provides insight into how fast a particular reaction occurs. For the dehydration of carbonic acid, this rate constant is quite high, at .
- This means the reaction is fast under normal conditions.
- A high rate constant like this suggests that plenty of carbon dioxide is naturally being produced and released.
Enzyme Catalysis
Enzyme catalysis is the acceleration of chemical reactions by enzymes. In our bodies, enzymes serve as incredible natural catalysts. One such enzyme is carbonic anhydrase, which plays a crucial role in speeding up the dehydration of carbonic acid.
- This enzyme enhances the reaction rate much further than the intrinsic rate constant would allow.
- It ensures efficient functioning of respiratory processes by processing reactions faster than they'd proceed under typical conditions.
Gas Exchange
Gas exchange in the lungs involves swapping of (oxygen) and (carbon dioxide) between the bloodstream and the air we breathe. is important to ensure our body functions smoothly, explaining why enzymes like carbonic anhydrase are so important. They make this crucial conversion process ultrafast, thus, supporting the respiratory system's needs at all times.
- This process helps to deliver oxygen to cells for energy production while removing
, a by-product of cellular respiration. - Efficiency in gas exchange is critical to maintain life-sustaining processes.
Respiratory System
The respiratory system is integral to our survival, responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide from the body. It consists of organs such as the lungs and airways, which collaborate to ensure effective breathing.
- Carbonic anhydrase assists the respiratory system by accelerating the conversion of carbon dioxide, enabling quicker release from the bloodstream into the lungs.
- This efficient processing means that your body can handle different activity levels without problems related to
buildup.