This image represents a close up view of the active site of carbonic anhydrase.

Question

This image represents a close up view of the active site of carbonic anhydrase. The spherical Zn^2+ ion is coordinated to three amino acids (part of the anhydrase structure), each one connected through a nitrogen atom. A fourth coordination site is now bonded to a hydroxide ion. This hydroxide used to be a water molecule. Thinking back to how ions can affect the pH of water, (Chapter 15, acid/base properties of salts), how did water become hydroxide in this instance? L. What is the coordination number of zinc in carbonic anhydrase (see question K)? __________

Explanation / Answer

Coordination number = number of coordinate bonds

On the active site of carbonic anhydrase there are four ligands (three amino acids and one water molecule) forming coordinate bonds with Zn++. So, the coordination number of zinc is 4.

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