Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into acetate and choline - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 6
Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into acetate and choline.
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into acetate and choline - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. permanently blocks the active site of acetylcholinesterase.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect because a reversible inhibitor does not permanently block the active site; it can dissociate from the enzyme.
Step 2
B. acts by strongly binding to the active site of acetylcholinesterase.
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Answer
This statement is also incorrect as reversible inhibitors do not typically have strong binding; they bind non-covalently and can be removed from the enzyme.
Step 3
C. increases the rate at which acetylcholine is broken down into acetate and choline.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect because reversible inhibitors hinder the breakdown of acetylcholine rather than enhance it.
Step 4
D. reduces acetylcholinesterase activity by reducing the number of active sites for acetylcholine to bind to.
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Answer
This statement is correct. Reversible inhibitors like alidcarb reduce the available active sites for acetylcholine, thereby decreasing the enzyme's activity.
