Cholinesterases in animals and Arabidopsis Thaliana

Abstract

Cholinesterases are classified into two major categories of vertebrates: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butrylcholinesterase (BChE). AChE belongs to the esterase family within higher eukaryotes which acts on different types of esters. The most well-known biological role of AChE is the transmission at cholinergic synapse in animals by rapid hydrolysis of acetylcholine. AChE has also been found in the organisms that lack a nervous system like bacteria and protozoa, slime moulds and plants. This indicates that the need for AChE arose very early in evolution. This review focuses on historical background of discovery of acetylcholinesterase in plants.