How is acetylcholine removed from the synapse?
A) It is broken down by an enzyme.
B) It is taken back up in the synapse.
C) It dissipates in the surrounding body fluids.
D) Acetylcholine is one of the few neurotransmitters that is continually present in the synapse.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is removed from the synapse through the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the neurotransmitter into choline and acetate, which are then recycled by the presynaptic neuron to produce new acetylcholine molecules. Answer B is incorrect because this process is known as reuptake, which is the removal of neurotransmitters from the synapse by the presynaptic neuron, but this is not how acetylcholine is removed. Answer C is incorrect because acetylcholine is not capable of simply dissipating into the surrounding body fluids due to its interaction with receptors and enzymes. Answer D is incorrect because while acetylcholine is always present in certain parts of the brain, it is not continually present in the synapse as it is rapidly broken down after release.

How Is Acetylcholine Removed from the Synapse