Metallic elements are essential components of many important enzymes operating
within our bodies. Carbonic anhydrase, which contains \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\), is
responsible for rapidly interconverting dissolved \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and
bicarbonate ion, \(\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-} .\) The zinc in carbonic anhydrase is
coordinated by three nitrogen-containing groups and a water molecule. The
enzyme's action depends on the fact that the coordinated water molecule is
more acidic than the bulk solvent molecules. Explain this fact in terms of
Lewis acid-base theory (Section 16.11).