What does acetylcholinesterase do in vertebrates?

Acetylcholinesterase is an essential enzyme in the vertebrate nervous system. Its primary function is to inactivate acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in transmitting signals across synapses between neurons and from neurons to muscles. When acetylcholine is released in response to an electrical impulse, it binds to receptors on the muscle or nerve cells, triggering a physiological response.

To ensure that signals are brief and do not continue indefinitely, acetylcholinesterase quickly breaks down acetylcholine into acetate and choline. This process is vital for the proper functioning of the nervous system because it prevents the overstimulation of receptors, which could otherwise lead to muscle spasms or paralysis.

Other options, such as enhancing nerve signal transmission, facilitating muscle growth, or boosting the immune response, do not accurately describe the specific function of acetylcholinesterase. These processes involve different mechanisms and proteins, underscoring why inactivation of acetylcholine is the correct and relevant role of acetylcholinesterase in vertebrates.