Question

5.

a. Three of the 20 most common amino acids are synthesized by simple transamination of carbohydrate metabolites.  

b. Write the equation for these three reactions and discuss the role of the cofactor in the reactions.  

c. Discuss the importance of one of these reactions in nitrogen metabolism.  

d. Explain what would cause a negative nitrogen balance and what the consequences are?

Answer 1

1. Glutamate, alanine, aspartate

b.

.

Glutamate + oxaloacetate alpha-ketoglutarate + aspartate

c. Transamination in biochemistry is accomplished by enzymes called transaminases or aminotransferases. This pathway is responsible for the deamination of most amino acids. Transamination is used both in catabolic and anabolic reactions. Since it is a reversible process hence it is used for the synthesis of non-essential amino acids.

d. Negative nitrogen balance results when nitrogen output is higher than the input. When the amount of nitrogen is depleted more than formed in the body then it results in negative nitrogen balance. Negative nitrogen balance is associated with burns, serious tissue injuries, fevers, hyperthyroidism, wasting diseases, and during periods of fasting.