AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. Two versions of this enzyme are made from the gene. The longer form, called membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT), is chiefly produced by nerve cells in the brain.

Detailed explanation-2: -Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) COMT is an enzyme that is involved in metabolizing various catecholamine neurotransmitters, including dopamine and epinephrine. The COMT gene is 27.22kb in length, and is located on chromosome 22q11.

Detailed explanation-3: -COMT gene mutation may cause an increase or decrease in dopamine levels. While high dopamine levels result in violent behavior, impulsivity, and schizophrenic tendency, low levels of the hormone may cause: Low libido. Depression.

Detailed explanation-4: -Both COMT forms were abundantly found in microglial cells and intestinal macrophages, but also in astroglial cells. COMT was also present in some neuronal cells, like pyramidal neurons, cerebellar Purkinje and granular cells and striatal spiny neurons, but not in major long projection neurons.

Detailed explanation-5: -Between 20 and 30 percent of Caucasians with European ancestry have a COMT mutation. This mutation limits the body’s ability to break down and remove neurotransmitters (NTs) by 3-4 times. These NTs are responsible for planning, behavioral inhibitions, short-term memory, and stress reactions.