Which one is a cofactor of carbonic anhydrase ?

Options

A. Fe
B. Zn
C. Cu
D. Mg.

Answer

To determine the cofactor of carbonic anhydrase, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Role of Cofactors**:
- Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. They often require additional non-protein molecules called cofactors to be active. Cofactors can be either organic molecules (coenzymes) or inorganic ions.

2. **Identify Carbonic Anhydrase**:
- Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into bicarbonate and protons. This reaction is crucial in maintaining acid-base balance in biological systems.

3. **Determine the Cofactor Type**:
- Most cofactors are inorganic ions. For carbonic anhydrase, we need to identify which inorganic ion acts as its cofactor.

4. **Research Known Cofactors**:
- It is well-documented that carbonic anhydrase requires zinc ions (Zn²⁺) as a cofactor for its enzymatic activity. Zinc plays a critical role in the enzyme's structure and function.

5. **Conclude the Answer**:
- Based on the information gathered, the cofactor of carbonic anhydrase is zinc (Zn²⁺).

### Final Answer:
The cofactor of carbonic anhydrase is zinc (Zn²⁺).

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