= Acetylcholinesterase
<Acetylcholinesterase> is an <enzyme> that hydrolyses the <neurotransmitter> <acetylcholine> to <choline> and <acetate>. Its activity helps terminate signalling at <cholinergic synapses>, including the <neuromuscular junction>. Chemically, it is a catalyst: the reaction consumes <acetylcholine> and <water>, while the <enzyme> can be reused.<Acetylcholinesterase EC 3.1.1.7 in IUBMB Enzyme Nomenclature>[Accepted name and reaction]{ref}
The distinction between removal of a messenger and inhibition of its <receptor> matters. Reducing <acetylcholinesterase> activity leaves more <acetylcholine> available to activate <receptors>; it does not directly substitute for the messenger or block every receptor. Thus the duration of a chemical signal depends both on its release and on its clearance. Measuring reaction-product accumulation in an <enzyme assay> tests the clearance machinery separately from a responding <muscle> or <neuron>.
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