cholinesterase
Acetylcholine breakdown catalyst
Cholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for nerve impulse transmission.
The body produces two main types: acetylcholinesterase, found at nerve synapses, and butyrylcholinesterase, found in blood plasma.
Certain pesticides and nerve agents work by inhibiting cholinesterase, causing acetylcholine to accumulate and overstimulate nerves.
Medical professionals measure cholinesterase levels to assess pesticide exposure or to evaluate liver function, since the liver produces the plasma form.
Phosphorus-based toxic compounds
- nerve agentsToxic chemicals attacking neurotransmission
- pesticidesChemicals destroying harmful organisms
- neurotoxinsPoisons targeting nervous systems
- sarinOrganophosphate chemical weapon
poisoning · toxicology · antidotes · atropine · pralidoxime · insecticides · irreversible · reversible
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- presynapticBefore the neural junction
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- signalMessage-conveying cue
transmission · vesicle · nicotinic · neural · degradation · hydrolysis · nerve impulse
Water-induced bond cleavage
- catalysisAccelerating reactions without consumption
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- active siteEnzyme region binding substrates
- serineProtein-forming amino acid
biocatalyst · proteins · amino acids · biochemistry · metabolism · reaction · ester · organophosphate
Induced loss of feeling
- apneaTemporary cessation of respiration
- blood testDiagnostic fluid analysis
- liver functionOrgan's metabolic and filtering capacity
- biomarkerMeasurable biological health signal
organophosphates
Phosphorus-based toxic compounds
- nerve agentsToxic chemicals attacking neurotransmission
- pesticidesChemicals destroying harmful organisms
- neurotoxinsPoisons targeting nervous systems
sarin · poisoning · toxicology · antidotes · atropine · pralidoxime · insecticides · irreversible · reversible · reactivation
synapse
Nerve signal crossing point
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- presynapticBefore the neural junction
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
signal · transmission · vesicle · nicotinic · neural · degradation · hydrolysis · nerve impulse
hydrolysis
Water-induced bond cleavage
- catalysisAccelerating reactions without consumption
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- active siteEnzyme region binding substrates
serine · biocatalyst · proteins · amino acids · biochemistry · metabolism · reaction · ester · organophosphate · assay
anesthesia
Induced loss of feeling
- apneaTemporary cessation of respiration
- blood testDiagnostic fluid analysis
- liver functionOrgan's metabolic and filtering capacity
cholinesteraseanticholinesterase
Substance preventing acetylcholine degradation