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The metal ion present in human carbonic anhydrase is

Question and options

The metal ion present in human carbonic anhydrase is
  1. Zn2+\mathrm{Zn^{2+}}
  2. Cu2+\mathrm{Cu^{2+}}
  3. Mg2+\mathrm{Mg^{2+}}
  4. Fe3+\mathrm{Fe^{3+}}

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A - \(\mathrm{Zn^{2+}}\)
Carbonic anhydrase is a zinc metalloenzyme; Zn2+\mathrm{Zn^{2+}} bound to three histidines activates water to attack CO2\mathrm{CO_2}. Copper, magnesium and iron serve other enzymes, such as cytochrome oxidase, kinases and catalase, not carbonic anhydrase.

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