transaminaatiot

Transaminaatiot are a class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another. This process is a fundamental reaction in amino acid metabolism and is crucial for the synthesis and degradation of amino acids. The general reaction involves an alpha-amino acid and an alpha-keto acid, with the enzyme facilitating the transfer of the amino group from the amino acid to the keto acid, forming a new amino acid and a new keto acid. Transaminases are particularly important in the liver, where they play a role in the detoxification of ammonia and the production of non-essential amino acids. They are also found in other tissues, including muscles and the brain. The activity of transaminases can be measured in blood serum as an indicator of tissue damage, particularly in the liver and heart. Elevated levels of specific transaminases, such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), are commonly used as diagnostic markers for liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as for myocardial infarction. The coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), derived from vitamin B6, is essential for the function of most transaminases.