aminotransferase
A scientist observes the reaction catalyzed by an aminotransferase in a test tube.
Noun: A type of enzyme (a class of transferases) that catalyzes a transamination reaction. This biochemical process involves the transfer of an amino group (-NH₂) from an amino acid to a keto acid, thereby creating a new amino acid and a new keto acid.
The term is used in biochemistry, medicine, and clinical diagnostics. It refers to specific enzymes whose levels in the blood are often measured to assess organ health, particularly liver and heart function. - Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are important markers for liver disease. - The activity of the aminotransferase was measured in the laboratory assay.
- Clinical Context: Aminotransferase levels (specifically ALT and AST) are key components of standard liver function tests (LFTs). Elevated levels typically indicate cellular damage in organs where these enzymes are concentrated.
- A sharp rise in serum aminotransferase activity suggested acute hepatocellular injury.
- Transaminase: This is a direct synonym for aminotransferase. The two terms are used interchangeably in scientific literature.
- Aspartate transaminase is another name for aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
- Transferase: The broader enzyme class to which aminotransferases belong. Transferases catalyze the transfer of a functional group from one molecule to another.
- Transaminase
The word "aminotransferase" has a single, specific meaning in scientific English. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses. Its usage is strictly confined to the field of biochemistry and its medical applications.
A scientist observes the reaction catalyzed by an aminotransferase in a test tube.
- a class of transferases that catalyze transamination (that transfer an amino group from an amino acid to another compound)