Definition

1. Noun (Biochemistry):
   • The process of transferring an amino group (-NH₂) from one molecule to another. This is a key biochemical reaction in amino acid metabolism, allowing for the synthesis of new amino acids and the breakdown of others.
   • The process of moving an amino group within a single chemical compound. This refers to an intramolecular rearrangement.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Transamination is a vital step in the liver's processing of dietary protein.
  • The enzyme catalyzing this transamination reaction is called a transaminase.
  • In this pathway, the amino group undergoes transamination to form a different amino acid.

Advanced Usage

• "Transamination-deamination": Often used to describe the linked processes where transamination is followed by the removal of the amino group (deamination) for excretion.
  • The complete catabolism of many amino acids involves both transamination and deamination.

Variants and Related Words

• Transaminase (n): The specific enzyme that catalyzes a transamination reaction. Also historically called an aminotransferase.
  • Elevated levels of liver transaminases in blood tests can indicate tissue damage.
• Transaminate (v): To undergo or cause to undergo transamination.
  • Alanine can transaminate with alpha-ketoglutarate to form pyruvate and glutamate.

Synonyms

• Aminotransfer (v, technical): To transfer an amino group.
• Amino group transfer (n phrase): A descriptive synonym for the process.

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Deamination (n): The removal of an amino group from a molecule, often following transamination.
• Amination (n): The addition of an amino group to a molecule.

Noun

1. the process of transfering an amino group from one compound to another
2. the process of transposing an amino group within a chemical compound