Transamination is a biochemical process in which an amino group (-NH2) is transferred from an amino acid to a keto acid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid and a new keto acid. This reaction is catalyzed by enzymes called transaminases or aminotransferases.
In the process of transamination, the amino group of an amino acid is transferred to the keto group of a keto acid, forming a new amino acid and a new keto acid. The amino group is transferred from the amino acid to the keto acid, resulting in the formation of an amino acid with a different side chain and a keto acid with a different carbon skeleton.
Transamination plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism and the synthesis of non-essential amino acids. It allows for the interconversion of different amino acids, which is important for maintaining amino acid balance in the body. Additionally, transamination is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Overall, transamination is an important process in amino acid metabolism, allowing for the interconversion of amino acids and the synthesis of new amino acids and keto acids.