After the effector cell has being stimulated by acetylcholine (ACh), what enzyme stop the stimulation and allows the effector membrane to repolarize?
Explanation & Rationale
A) Norepinephrine: Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter primarily involved in the sympathetic nervous system. It is not involved in terminating the stimulation caused by acetylcholine. Norepinephrine acts on adrenergic receptors, whereas acetylcholine primarily acts on cholinergic receptors. B) Decarboxylase: Decarboxylase is an enzyme that plays a role in the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine, but it does not have a role in terminating the action of acetylcholine at the effector cell. It is unrelated to the termination of acetylcholine signaling. C) Catecholamine: Catecholamines (such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) are a group of neurotransmitters involved in the sympathetic nervous system. While they play a role in synaptic transmission, they are not responsible for breaking down acetylcholine or terminating its effects. Their primary function is in adrenergic signaling. D) Acetylcholinesterase: Acetylcholinesterase is the correct enzyme. It is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine (ACh) in the synaptic cleft after it has stimulated the effector cell. By hydrolyzing acetylcholine into acetate and choline, acetylcholinesterase effectively terminates the signal and allows the effector cell's membrane to repolarize. This action prevents continuous stimulation and ensures proper function of the cholinergic system.