The enzyme carbonic anhydrase is a protein that binds to two small molecules: water and carbon dioxide. By holding the two molecules in the proper position, the enzyme allows the two molecules to react to form a product, carbonic acid. The enzyme then releases the product and becomes available to catalyze the same reaction once again.

How does carbonic anhydrase change the reaction between carbon dioxide and water?

A. It increases the total energy released.
B. It alters the structure of the product.
C. It decreases the activation energy.
D. It decreases the total mass of the system.