Which two enzymes are responsible for hydrolyzing acetylcholine in the body?

Which two enzymes are responsible for hydrolyzing acetylcholine in the body?

• A. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)
• B. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) only
• C. Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) only
• D. Choline esterase

Answer: (A)

Acetylcholine is inactivated by cholinesterases to terminate signaling. The major enzyme at cholinergic synapses and the neuromuscular junction is acetylcholinesterase, which hydrolyzes acetylcholine very rapidly. A second enzyme, butyrylcholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase), is found in plasma and various tissues and can also hydrolyze acetylcholine, though it is less specific and slower. Together, these two enzymes handle acetylcholine breakdown in the body, ensuring proper termination of the signal. The term choline esterase isn’t used for this specific activity, so it’s not correct to pick that option.

Acetylcholine is inactivated by cholinesterases to terminate signaling. The major enzyme at cholinergic synapses and the neuromuscular junction is acetylcholinesterase, which hydrolyzes acetylcholine very rapidly. A second enzyme, butyrylcholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase), is found in plasma and various tissues and can also hydrolyze acetylcholine, though it is less specific and slower. Together, these two enzymes handle acetylcholine breakdown in the body, ensuring proper termination of the signal. The term choline esterase isn’t used for this specific activity, so it’s not correct to pick that option.