To understand how the reaction [tex]\( CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow H_2CO_3 \)[/tex] will be affected if carbonic anhydrase acts as a catalyst, let’s break down the concepts involved:
1. Catalysts and Their Role:
- A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It achieves this by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed, thereby allowing the reaction to occur more quickly.
2. Carbonic Anhydrase:
- Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that acts as a catalyst for the reaction between carbon dioxide ([tex]\(CO_2\)[/tex]) and water ([tex]\(H_2O\)[/tex]) to form carbonic acid ([tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex]).
3. Impact on the Reaction:
- Since catalysts only speed up the reaction, they do not affect the equilibrium of the reaction or the final amount of products produced. Thus, the presence of carbonic anhydrase will only influence the rate at which [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex] is formed and not whether [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex] will be formed or the amount of [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex] produced.
Now, let’s evaluate the options:
- Option A: [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex] will be produced faster.
- This option suggests that with the catalyst, the production of [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex] will occur at a faster rate. Given that catalysts increase reaction rates, this statement aligns with the known behavior of catalysts.
- Option B: [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex] will be produced more slowly.
- This is contrary to what is expected with the presence of a catalyst, which always works to increase the rate, not decrease it.
- Option C: [tex]\(CO_2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(H_2O\)[/tex] will be produced.
- This option incorrectly suggests that the reaction will reverse or that the products will not form. Catalysts do not change the direction of the reaction; they only speed up the rate of the forward and reverse reaction equally.
- Option D: [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex] will not be produced at all.
- This is also incorrect because the catalyst would indeed speed up the formation of [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex], not prevent it.
Given the analysis, the correct choice would be:
A. [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex] will be produced faster.
Thus, carbonic anhydrase acting as a catalyst will result in [tex]\(H_2CO_3\)[/tex] being produced at a faster rate.
