Final answer:
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the breakdown of acetylcholine into choline and acetate, thus regulating the activity of the neurotransmitter and preventing continuous stimulation of nerve signals or muscles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine is acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE functions by hydrolyzing acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter, into choline and acetate.
This process occurs in the synaptic cleft and is crucial for ensuring that acetylcholine does not continue to stimulate muscle contraction or neural transmission beyond the intended signal duration. Thus, acetylcholinesterase is key in regulating the cholinergic system by terminating synaptic transmission.
Acetylcholinesterase's action can be summarized as catalyzing the hydrolysis of acetylcholine into choline and acetate (acetic acid).
This reaction prevents prolonged activation of acetylcholine receptors, which would otherwise lead to unwanted sustained muscle contractions or ongoing neural signaling.