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AAT Bioquest

What is the general reaction mechanism of acetylcholinesterase?

Posted March 27, 2024


Answer

The general reaction mechanism of acetylcholinesterase involves breaking the bond between the choline group and acetyl group of acetylcholine. 

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a serine hydrolase. A serine, a histidine, and a glutamic acid are present at its active site. The reaction starts when the serine binds to the acetyl group on the acetylcholine. This disrupts the bond between the acetyl and choline groups. As a result of this disruption choline is released and the acetyl group that is attached to the serine is replaced by water, which releases the acetyl group and reforms serine. 

Additional resources

Catalytic Reaction Mechanism of Acetylcholinesterase Determined by Born-Oppenheimer ab initio QM/MM Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Amplite® Colorimetric Acetylcholinesterase Assay Kit

Enzymes