Question

Assertion(A) :The reaction between \( CO_2 \) and \( H_2O \) in the RBC is much faster than in blood plasma. Reason(R) :Red blood cells contain a very high concentration of carbonic anhydrase

• A. \( \text{(A) and (R) are correct. (R) is the correct explanation of (A)} \)
• B. \( \text{(A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)} \)
• C. \( \text{(A) is correct but (R) is not correct} \)
• D. \( \text{(A) is not correct but (R) is correct} \)

Hint:

The presence of carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells plays a crucial role in speeding up the reaction between \( CO_2 \) and \( H_2O \) to form carbonic acid, which is important for transporting CO_2 in the bloodstream.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: The reaction between \( CO_2 \) and \( H_2O \) in RBC is catalyzed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. This reaction occurs much faster in RBCs compared to blood plasma. This enzyme is highly concentrated in RBCs, which explains why the reaction is faster in these cells. Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason correctly explains the assertion.