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Acetylcholinesterase, also known as AChE, is an enzyme that degrades (through its hydrolytic activity) the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, producing choline and an acetate group. It is mainly found at neuromuscular junctions andcholinergic synapses in the central nervous system, where its activity serves to terminate synaptic transmission. AChE has a very high catalytic activity - each molecule of AChE degrades about 25000 molecules of acetylcholine per second. The choline produced by the action of AChE is recycled - it is transported, through reuptake, back into nerve terminals where it is used to synthesize new acetylcholine molecules.

Acetylcholinesterase is also found on the red blood cell membranes, where it constitutes the Yt blood group antigen. Acetylcholinesterase exists in multiple molecular forms, which possess similar catalytic properties, but differ in their oligomeric assembly and mode of attachment to the cell surface.

In humans acetylcholinesterase is encoded by the AChE gene.

The chemical compound acetylcholine (often abbreviated ACh) is a neurotransmitter in both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) in many organisms including humans. Acetylcholine is one of many neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the only neurotransmitter used in the motor division of the somatic nervous system. (Sensory neurons use glutamate and various peptides at their synapses.) Acetylcholine is also the principal neurotransmitter in all autonomic ganglia.

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How is acetylcholine (ACh) removed from the synaptic cleft?

Acetylcholine is degraded by acetylcholinesterase


Mechanism of action of neostigmine?

There are 3 different types of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors - short-acting, medium-duration and irreversible inhibitors, which differ in their interactions with the active site of acetylcholinesterase.=Neostigmine is a medium-duration acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that enhances cholinergic transmission in the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system and at neuromuscular junctions. Acetlycholinesterase inhibitors are an established therapy for Alzheimer's disease and dementia .=


What destroys ACh?

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (ACh) into choline and acetate, thus destroying ACh. This process helps in regulating the levels of ACh at the synaptic cleft and terminating its action.


What destroy acetylcholine?

Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine into choline and acetate. Certain toxins, such as organophosphates and nerve agents, can also inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.


In the synaptic cleft of a neuromuscular junction what enzyme is always present?

Acetylcholinesterase is always present in the synaptic cleft of a neuromuscular junction. It is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, allowing for the termination of the signal transmission between the neuron and the muscle cell.

Related Questions

Is there a sentence which includes the word acetylcholinesterase if so what is it?

"Acetylcholinesterase" production results in the production of a glucosteroid inhibitor.


How do you pronounce acetylcholinesterase?

Acetylcholinesterase is pronounced uh-SEET-uhl-KOH-lin-ES-ter-ays.


What agent inhibits Acetylcholinesterase?

neostigmine


How is acetylcholine (ACh) removed from the synaptic cleft?

Acetylcholine is degraded by acetylcholinesterase


What is the role of acetylcholinesterase to acetylcholine?

The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) essentially works against acetylcholine (ACh). AChE will break up the ACh into its two main groups, acetate and choline so that it is not able to do its job. (In the case of certain diseases, like Alzheimer's, AChE can result in negative effects, and drugs are given to prevent the action of AChE.)


What is the medical abbreviation meaning Acetylcholinesterase?

ACHe


What type of cbrne agent acts by inhibiting a cruicial enzyme called acetylcholinesterase?

Nerve agents are compounds that have the capacity to inactivate the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE)


How is acetylcholinesterase dangerous to humans?

Acetylcholinesterase is dangerous to humans as it attacks nerves and causes a loss of use in the affected area. Poisons and venoms contain these properties.


What has the author John A Montgomery written?

John A. Montgomery has written: 'Standard operating procedures for the determination of acetylcholinesterase activity' -- subject(s): Pesticides, Acetylcholinesterase, Toxicology


What enzyme is responsible for skeletal muscle relaxation?

acetylcholinesterase


What kind of enzyme breaks down acetylcholine?

Acetylcholinesterase


Where is acetylcholinesterase released from?

Acetylcholinesterase is primarily released from the nerve terminals at the neuromuscular junction, where it plays a crucial role in breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine after it has transmitted a nerve signal to muscle fibers. Additionally, it is found in other tissues, including the brain and various organs, where it helps regulate cholinergic signaling. The enzyme is secreted by both neurons and glial cells.