Editing Soman (section)

== Mechanisms of action==

Soman is an organo{{shy}}phosphorus nerve agent with a mechanism of action similar to tabun. Nerve agents inhibit [[acetylcholine esterase]] (AChE) by forming an [[adduct]] with the enzyme via a serine residue on that enzyme. These adducts may be decomposed hydrolytically or, for example, by the action of some oximes and thereby regenerate the enzyme. A second reaction type, one in which the enzyme–organo{{shy}}phosphate (OP) complex undergoes a subsequent reaction, is usually described as "aging". Once the enzyme–OP complex has aged it is no longer regenerated by the common, oxime reactivators. The rate of this process is dependent on the OP. Soman is an OP that stimulates the rate of aging most rapidly decreasing the half-life to just a few minutes.

AChE is an enzyme involved with neuro{{shy}}transmission. Because of the severe decrease of the half-life of this enzyme, neuro{{shy}}transmission is abolished in a matter of minutes.<ref name=Lukey/>