transaminase
Definition
Noun: A transaminase is an enzyme belonging to a specific class (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.
Usage
Transaminases are crucial in amino acid metabolism within living cells. They are often measured in medical blood tests, as elevated levels can indicate tissue damage, particularly in the liver or heart. - The doctor ordered a test to check serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. - Aspartate transaminase (AST) is one of the key enzymes involved in the citric acid cycle.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Marker: Specific transaminases serve as important biomarkers. For example, Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate Transaminase (AST) are routinely measured in liver function panels to assess hepatic health.
- A sharp rise in transaminase levels suggested acute hepatocellular injury.
Variants and Related Words
- Aminotransferase: This is a direct synonym for transaminase. The terms are used interchangeably in biochemistry.
- Alanine aminotransferase is functionally identical to alanine transaminase.
Synonyms
- Aminotransferase: The more systematic biochemical name for this class of enzymes.
Related Terms & Context
- Transferase: The broader enzyme class to which all transaminases belong, characterized by transferring functional groups between molecules.
- Transamination: The specific chemical reaction catalyzed by a transaminase.
- The transamination of glutamate and oxaloacetate is catalyzed by aspartate transaminase.
Noun
-
a class of transferases that catalyze transamination (that transfer an amino group from an amino acid to another compound)
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