6 Questions
Which enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of acetylcholine?
Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)
What happens to acetylcholine after it is released into the synaptic cleft?
It binds to acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane
Which enzyme degrades acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft?
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
Which two products result from the degradation of acetylcholine?
Choline and acetate
What happens to the products of acetylcholine degradation?
They are recycled back into the presynaptic neuron for synthesis of new acetylcholine
What is the role of VACIT in the Acetylcholine cycle?
Transports acetylcholine into synaptic vesicles
Study Notes
Synthesis of Acetylcholine
- Acetylcholine is synthesized from choline and acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) by the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT).
Release of Acetylcholine
- Acetylcholine is released from the presynaptic nerve terminal into the synaptic cleft.
- Acetylcholine is transported into synaptic vesicles via VACIT.
- Acetylcholine is released from vesicles into the synaptic cleft by nerve impulse.
Binding of Acetylcholine
- Acetylcholine binds to the acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
- Acetylcholine binds to receptors on muscle fibers.
Degradation of Acetylcholine
- Acetylcholine is degraded by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
- The products of degradation are choline and acetate.
Recycling of Products
- Choline is recycled back into the presynaptic neuron for the synthesis of new acetylcholine.
- Acetate is recycled by the nerve terminal.
This diagram illustrates the process of acetylcholine synthesis from choline and acetyl-CoA, its release and binding to receptors, and its degradation by acetylcholinesterase. Learn about the key steps involved in this process.
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