BUTYRYLTHIOCHOLINESTERASE Meaning and
Definition
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Butyrylthiocholinesterase (BChE) is a type of enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down and deactivating certain substances in the body, specifically the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. BChE belongs to a class of enzymes known as cholinesterases, which are primarily responsible for regulating the levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in various physiological processes.
The term "butyrylthiocholinesterase" is derived from the enzyme's function and structure. "Butyryl" refers to a molecule called butyrylcholine, a compound that closely resembles acetylcholine and serves as a substrate for BChE. "Thio" signifies the presence of a sulfur atom within the structure of the enzyme, indicating its sulfur-containing moiety. Lastly, "cholinesterase" denotes the enzyme's ability to break down choline esters, such as acetylcholine and butyrylcholine.
BChE is predominantly found in the bloodstream, where it acts as a safeguard against excessive acetylcholine accumulation. By degrading acetylcholine, BChE helps prevent prolonged signaling and ensures proper neurotransmitter balance in neural synapses. This regulatory function is crucial for the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Furthermore, BChE's activity can be influenced by genetic variations, which can impact its effectiveness in breaking down acetylcholine and related molecules. Understanding the role of BChE and its variants is essential in pharmacology and clinical settings, as specific drugs may require adjustments or alternative treatments based on an individual's BChE activity levels.
Common Misspellings for BUTYRYLTHIOCHOLINESTERASE
- vutyrylthiocholinesterase
- nutyrylthiocholinesterase
- hutyrylthiocholinesterase
- gutyrylthiocholinesterase
- bytyrylthiocholinesterase
- bhtyrylthiocholinesterase
- bjtyrylthiocholinesterase
- bityrylthiocholinesterase
- b8tyrylthiocholinesterase
- b7tyrylthiocholinesterase
- buryrylthiocholinesterase
- bufyrylthiocholinesterase
- bugyrylthiocholinesterase
- buyyrylthiocholinesterase
- bu6yrylthiocholinesterase
- bu5yrylthiocholinesterase
- buttrylthiocholinesterase
- butgrylthiocholinesterase
- buthrylthiocholinesterase
- buturylthiocholinesterase
Etymology of BUTYRYLTHIOCHOLINESTERASE
The word "butyrylthiocholinesterase" is derived from multiple components:
1. Butyryl: It comes from the word "butyric acid", which is a type of fatty acid found in dairy products and has a four-carbon chain. In organic chemistry, "butyryl" refers to a molecular group containing four carbon atoms.
2. Thio: It comes from the word "thiol", which refers to a sulfur-containing organic compound. In this context, "thio" indicates the presence of a sulfur atom in the molecule.
3. Cholinesterase: This term is a combination of "choline" and "esterase". Choline is a molecule that functions as a neurotransmitter.
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