Deamination

Transamination
and
Decarboxylation
 Deamination is the process by
which amino acids are modified by
the removal of their amino group (-
NH2). This process is usually
irreversible and results in the
DEAMINATION
formation of a derivative of the
amino acid that lacks the amino
group. Deamination can occur
spontaneously or be catalyzed by
enzymes called deaminases.
Deamination is an important process in cells because it
allows for the breakdown of amino acids, which are the
building blocks of proteins. It also plays a role in the
synthesis of certain biochemical compounds, such as
pyrimidines and purines, which are the building blocks of
nucleic acids.
OXIDATIVE
DEAMINATION
• Oxidative deamination is the liberation of
free ammonia from the amino group of
amino acids coupled with oxidation.
• Site: Mostly in liver & kidney.

• Oxidative deamination is to provide NH3

for urea synthesis & a-keto acids for a
variety of reactions, including energy
generation.
 Direct deamination, without oxidation.

Amino acid Dehydratases

Non-
Oxidative Serine, threonine & homoserine are the
Deamination hydroxy amino acids.

They undergo non-oxidative deamination

catalyzed by PLP-dependent dehydratases
 • Transamination is the transfer of an amino group from
an amino acid to another molecules usually a ketoacid.
• This process catalyzed by enzyme called transaminase
or amino transferase.
• The coenzyme of all transaminase is pyridonal
phosphate (PLP)
Transamination • All transamination reaction are reversible
• Transaminase are present either in cytoplasm or in
both cytoplasm and mitochondria.
• Among au transaminase, 3 are perfect in most
mammalian tissue and they are clinically important
•They are ALT(Alanine transaminase),AST(Aspartate
Transaminase) and Glutamate transaminase
Reaction
Pair one: Amino Acid Keto Acid

Pyridoxal phosphate Pyridoxamine phosphate

Pair two: Amino acid keto acid

 • Synthesis and degradation of amino
acid
Importance of • For the regulation of amino acid and
Transamination metabolism
• Synthesis of nonessential amino acids
• Glucose and ketone formation
through ketoacid
 Decarboxylation is the process by
which a carboxyl group (-COOH)
is removed from a molecule,
Decarboxylation resulting in the release of carbon
dioxide (CO2). This process is
usually catalyzed by enzymes
called decarboxylases.
Decarboxylation is an important process in cells because it allows for the synthesis of
various biochemical compounds, such as neurotransmitters and amino acids, and the
degradation of amino acids. It is also important for the regulation of various metabolic
pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the urea cycle. Dysregulation
of decarboxylation can lead to various diseases, such as pellagra and lysine deficiency.