What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells, and how does it affect hemoglobin's function?

• A. Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate and protons, affecting hemoglobin's oxygen release.
• B. Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the conversion of bicarbonate to CO2, affecting hemoglobin's oxygen binding.
• C. Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the conversion of protons to oxygen, affecting hemoglobin's oxygen release.
• D. Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the conversion of oxygen to water, affecting hemoglobin's oxygen binding.

Answer: (A)