The process whereby an amino group is combined with a keto acid to form an amino acid is called transamination. During transamination, the amino group from an amino acid is transferred to a keto acid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid and a new keto acid.
Here is a simplified step-by-step explanation of transamination:
1. Amino group transfer: The amino group from an amino acid is transferred to a keto acid, forming a new amino acid and a new keto acid.
2. Enzyme involvement: Enzymes called aminotransferases facilitate this process by catalyzing the transfer of the amino group.
3. Formation of new amino acids: Through transamination, a variety of amino acids can be synthesized in the body by combining different amino groups with various keto acids.
Transamination plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism and the synthesis of new amino acids essential for various biological processes in the body. It is an important mechanism that helps maintain nitrogen balance and provides the building blocks necessary for protein synthesis and other vital functions.
