Acetylcholinesterase at SCS Traditional Cache

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Hidden : 1/21/2015
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

This geocache is dedicated to the Acetylcholinesterase protein and is found where the coordinates state.

It is being hidden in conjunction with a senior Introduction to Biochemistry course being taught at the nearby school with a Geocaching Fridays component.

I've always enjoyed breathing with my lungs and letting my heart pump blood throughout my body. On occasion, I also walk around and move my arms. All of these actions are initially triggered by the nervous system as it produces various neurotransmitters to signal various biological functions. Acetylcholine (below) is a neurotransmitter that binds to nerve synapses in muscle cells and triggers their contraction to allow for body movement.


For the muscles to then relax, the acetylcholine molecule must be decomposed to stop the contraction signal. This is mediated by the protein Acetylcholinesterase (below). Acetylcholinesterase is a remarkably fast acting enzyme that can degrade an acetylcholine molecule in under 0.1 milliseconds to allow for our apparent instantaneous muscle relaxation.

This protein is also the target site of an infamous class of chemical weapons known as nerve agents. Nerve gases, like Sarin gas, are Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that bind to and disable the protein. Fatality results from asphyxiation due to failure of the respiratory muscles to continue supplying the body with oxygen.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Qba'g gernq ba zr.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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