Cholinesterase enzyme
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Cholinesterase enzyme
Cholinesterase enzyme. Molecular model of the secondary structure of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), showing alpha helices (blue) and beta sheets (red and yellow). BChE, also called serum cholinesterase, is similar to the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in that it catalyses the neurotransmitter (nerve signalling molecule) acetylcholine, producing choline and acetic acid. This allows the nerves that use acetylcholine (cholinergic neurons) to rest after passing on signals. Both AChE and BChE also catalyses the synthetic chemical butyrylcholine in a similar way to acetylcholine. AChE and BChE differ in that AChE, found in the blood and nerve synapses, catalyses acetylcholine more readily. BChE instead prefers butyrylcholine and is found in the liver
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6294131
© DR MARK J. WINTER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Acetic Acid Acetylcholine Alpha Helix Beta Sheets Compound Compounds Enzymatic Enzyme Enzymes Helices Hydrolysis Molecules Neurobiology Neuronal Neurotransmitter Secondary Structure Bio Chemistry Biochemical Molecular Molecular Model Nervous System Neurological Neurology Protein
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate molecular model of the secondary structure of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), also known as serum cholinesterase. The vibrant colors highlight the alpha helices in blue and beta sheets in red and yellow, creating a visually stunning representation of this essential enzyme. BChE plays a crucial role in our nervous system by catalyzing acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter responsible for nerve signaling. By breaking down acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid, BChE allows cholinergic neurons to rest after transmitting signals. Interestingly, BChE also exhibits similar catalytic properties towards butyrylcholine, a synthetic chemical resembling acetylcholine. While closely related to another enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE), BChE differs in its preference for butyrylcholine over acetylcholine. AChE is predominantly found in blood and nerve synapses where it readily breaks down acetylcholine. On the other hand, BChE primarily resides within the liver and demonstrates a stronger affinity for butyrylcholine. The complexity of these enzymes lies not only in their ability to facilitate hydrolysis reactions but also in their contribution to various biological processes. Understanding their structures at a molecular level provides valuable insights into neurobiology and enzymatic mechanisms. This remarkable print from Science Photo Library offers an intriguing glimpse into the world of biochemistry, highlighting the beauty hidden within molecules that drive our biological systems forward.
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