Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Which of the following explains why acetylcholinesterase cannot be used to catalyze the breakdown of other neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine?

a)It would require a level of activation energy too high for acetylcholinesterase to react with other neurotransmitters.

b)Binding with an alternate neurotransmitter would inhibit the reaction of the enzyme with acetylcholine.

c)Reacting with another neurotransmitter would halt the production of the enzyme and raise the overall activation energy.

d)Its shape determines the neurotransmitters that can reach its active center where activation energy is lowered.

d)Its shape determines the neurotransmitters that can reach its active center where activation energy is lowered

Explanation:

Acetylcholinesterase also referred to as AChE, is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine and some other choline esters in the body and this is achieved by breaking down the acetylcholine into its two component parts, acetic acid and choline.

A careful look at the chemical structure of acetylcholine and epinephrine shows differences in the chemical group present and therefore acetylcholinesterase cannot catalyze the break down of epinephrine.

D)   Its shape determines the neurotransmitters that can reach its active center where activation energy is lowered.

Explanation: Just finished the test.