Question

Discuss the fate of neurotransmitters secreted into the synaptic cleft including acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase

A) Acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine, and monoamine oxidase degrades monoamines
B) Monoamine oxidase enhances the effects of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft
C) Acetylcholinesterase enhances the longevity of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft
D) Monoamine oxidase prevents the degradation of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft

Answer 1

The correct answer is A) Acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine, and monoamine oxidase degrades monoamines; both enzymes play critical roles in terminating the action of neurotransmitters at the synapse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fate of neurotransmitters secreted into the synaptic cleft includes their degradation by specific enzymes. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into acetyl and choline, thus terminating its action at the synapse. On the other hand, monoamine oxidase (MAO) degrades monoamines, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are another class of neurotransmitters. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: A) Acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine, and monoamine oxidase degrades monoamines. Acetylcholinesterase is typically located in the synaptic cleft and is not free to diffuse away from the synapse.