What are the differences between choline and acetylcholine?

Basis of differentiation

Choline

Acetylcholine 

Definition

Choline is an organic compound and essential nutrient found in both plants and animals

Acetylcholine is an organic compound which acts as a neurotransmitter

Chemical structure

Consists of an ammonium group having positive and 4 substituents on the nitrogen atom

Is the same structure as choline, except the oxygen atom is acetylated 

Occurrence

Is in plants and animals

Is exclusively in found in animals 

Molar mass

104.17 g/mol

146.21 g/mol

Functions 

Is a source of methyl groups necessary for several steps in metabolism and involved in synthesis for phospholipids 

Functions to transmit signals between nerve cells and other cells as a chemical messenger in the nervous and peripheral nervous systems

Type of compound

Is an ethanolamine

Is an ester