Definition

Verb (Chemistry, Biochemistry): To remove an amino group (-NH₂) from an amino acid or other organic compound, typically through a chemical reaction such as hydrolysis. This process is called deamination.

Usage

The verb "deaminate" describes a specific biochemical or chemical transformation. It is primarily used in scientific contexts. * The liver enzymes deaminate excess amino acids to produce ammonia, which is then converted to urea. * In the laboratory, researchers used a strong acid to deaminate the compound and study the resulting products. * This particular bacterium can deaminate that substrate, which helps identify it in lab tests.

Advanced Usage

• Passive Voice: Often used in the passive voice to describe the state of the compound.
  • The amino acid serine can be deaminated to form pyruvate.
• Gerund/Noun Form: The process is "deamination." The agent causing it can be called a "deaminating agent" or more commonly, a "deaminase" enzyme.
  • The deamination of cytosine can lead to a point mutation in DNA.

Variants and Related Words

• Deamination (noun): The process or result of deaminating.
• Deaminase (noun): An enzyme that catalyzes a deamination reaction (e.g., adenosine deaminase).
• Deaminative (adjective): Relating to or causing deamination.

Synonyms

• Remove the amino group from (descriptive synonym)
• Degrade (in a very broad biochemical sense, but not specific)

Antonyms

• Aminate (verb): To introduce an amino group into a compound.
• Transaminate (verb): To transfer an amino group from one compound to another.

Verb

1. remove the amino radical (usually by hydrolysis) from an amino compound; to perform deamination