What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in the kidneys?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The HCO₃^- ions in the filtrate react with the H⁺ ions secreted by the tubular cells. The resulting carbonic acid breaks down into CO₂ and water. Because CO₂ is extremely diffusible through biological membranes, it diffuses instantly into the tubule cell. There, CO₂ reacts rapidly with water in the presence of carbonic anhydrase, rapidly forming HCO₃^- and H⁺. The HCO₃^- ion diffuses back into the blood. Thus, the reabsorbed HCO₃^- ion is not the same HCO₃^- ion that existed in the tubular fluid. If the tubule cells secrete sufficient H⁺, all HCO₃^- in the tubular fluid is reabsorbed in this manner.

What Is the Role of Carbonic Anhydrase in the Kidneys