ACETYLESTERASE Meaning and
Definition
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Acetylesterase, also known as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh) in the nervous system. It belongs to the family of hydrolases and is primarily found in the synapses between nerve cells, where it acts as a catalyst for the breakdown of ACh into choline and acetate. This process is crucial for regulating the levels of ACh, a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals between neurons.
The function of acetylesterase is of great significance in various physiological processes, particularly in controlling neural activity and proper functioning of the cholinergic system. By rapidly degrading ACh, acetylesterase prevents prolonged stimulation of postsynaptic receptors and ensures that synaptic signaling is completed efficiently. This enzymatic activity is vital for terminating nerve impulses and allowing for proper neuronal communication.
Acetylesterase is a highly specific enzyme that mainly targets ACh as its substrate. It possesses a specific binding site for ACh, where it facilitates the hydrolytic reaction and ultimately cleaves the acetyl group from the ACh molecule. Additionally, this enzyme is capable of degrading other esters with similar chemical properties, although with lower affinities.
Beyond its crucial role in the nervous system, acetylesterase has been extensively studied due to its clinical significance. Dysfunction or inhibition of this enzyme can have serious consequences and has been associated with various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, where the accumulation of ACh leads to cognitive impairment. As a result, acetylesterase inhibitors have been developed as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of such conditions.
Common Misspellings for ACETYLESTERASE
- zcetylesterase
- scetylesterase
- wcetylesterase
- qcetylesterase
- axetylesterase
- avetylesterase
- afetylesterase
- adetylesterase
- acwtylesterase
- acstylesterase
- acdtylesterase
- acrtylesterase
- ac4tylesterase
- ac3tylesterase
- acerylesterase
- acefylesterase
- acegylesterase
- aceyylesterase
- ace6ylesterase
- ace5ylesterase
Etymology of ACETYLESTERASE
The word "acetylesterase" is derived from the combination of three components: "acetyl", "ester", and "-ase".
1. "Acetyl" is derived from the chemical compound "acetic acid", which is commonly found in vinegar. In organic chemistry, "acetyl" refers to a functional group consisting of a methyl group attached to a carbonyl group (C=O).
2. "Ester" refers to a class of organic compounds formed by the condensation reaction between an alcohol and an organic acid. Esters are characterized by their distinct fruity or sweet smell.
3. "-ase" is a suffix in biochemistry that denotes an enzyme or protein. Enzymes are biological molecules that catalyze various chemical reactions in living organisms.
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