MCAT Question A Day - 6/8/14 - Answer!
If an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor were administered into a cholinergic synapse, what would happen to the activity of the postsynaptic neuron?
A. It would decrease, because acetylcholine would be degraded more rapidly than normal.
B. It would decrease, because acetylcholinesterase would bind to postsynaptic membrane receptors less strongly.
C. It would increase, because acetylcholine would be produced more rapidly than normal.
D. It would increase, because acetylcholine would be degraded more slowly than normal.
D is correct. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. You should gather this from the name. If this enzyme is inhibited, then acetylcholine will not be catabolized as quickly, and it will bind and release repeatedly with postsynaptic receptors.
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D is correct. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. You should gather this from the name. If this enzyme is inhibited, then acetylcholine will not be catabolized as quickly, and it will bind and release repeatedly with postsynaptic receptors.
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