acetylcholine biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of acetylcholine, the acetic acid ester of the organic base choline. [GOC:jl, ISBN:0192800752]

Acetylcholine biosynthesis is a fundamental process in the nervous system, responsible for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The process starts with the uptake of choline, a precursor molecule, from the extracellular space by a specific transporter protein called the choline transporter (CHT). Once inside the presynaptic neuron, choline is coupled with acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) by the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). This enzymatic reaction forms acetylcholine, which is then stored in synaptic vesicles, tiny membrane-bound sacs that hold neurotransmitters. When a nerve impulse arrives at the synapse, these vesicles fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft, the space between the neurons. The acetylcholine then binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering a signal that can either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron. Acetylcholine is quickly removed from the synaptic cleft by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, ensuring that the signal is short-lived and preventing overstimulation. The hydrolysis of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase yields choline and acetate. The choline is then recycled back into the presynaptic neuron to be used for the synthesis of new acetylcholine, while the acetate is released back into the extracellular space.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (12)