transaminacje

Transaminases, also known as aminotransferases, are a class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another. This fundamental biochemical reaction is crucial for the synthesis and degradation of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. The general reaction involves an amino acid donating its amino group to an alpha-keto acid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid and a new alpha-keto acid. This process is reversible and requires a coenzyme, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), which is derived from vitamin B6. PLP acts as an intermediate carrier of the amino group. Transamination is vital for metabolic pathways, including the urea cycle and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. In clinical diagnostics, the levels of certain transaminases in the blood, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), are commonly measured. Elevated levels of these enzymes can indicate damage to specific organs, particularly the liver, and are therefore important indicators of liver health.