Cholinesterase

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Cholinesterase

Cholinesterase (pronounced koh-lin-ES-ter-ase) is a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. Cholinesterases are important proteins in the body that regulate the activity of the nervous system.

Etymology

The term "Cholinesterase" is derived from its function to hydrolyze (break down) Acetylcholine. The prefix "Choline" refers to the neurotransmitter, and the suffix "esterase" refers to the type of enzyme.

Types of Cholinesterase

There are two types of cholinesterases in the human body:

1. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE): This enzyme is found mainly at neuromuscular junctions and cholinergic brain synapses, where its activity serves to terminate synaptic transmission.

2. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE): This enzyme is found mainly in the blood where its role is not well understood, but it is known to have a function in the metabolism of certain drugs.

Function

Cholinesterases play a crucial role in the nervous system by breaking down Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the nervous system. By breaking down acetylcholine, cholinesterases prevent the overstimulation of nerves, muscles, and glands.

Related Terms

  • Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse.
  • Enzyme: Proteins that act as biological catalysts.
  • Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter in the nervous system.
  • Synapse: A structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or to the target effector cell.

See Also

External links

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