Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Oxidative Deamination
Oxidative deamination is a biochemical process where an amino group is removed from an amino acid, resulting in the formation of an α-keto acid. This reaction typically involves the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase and is crucial for amino acid catabolism, allowing the body to utilize amino acids for energy or convert them into glucose.
α-Keto Acid
An α-keto acid is a type of organic acid that contains a carbonyl group (C=O) adjacent to a carboxylic acid group (–COOH). In the context of oxidative deamination, the α-keto acid produced serves as an important intermediate in various metabolic pathways, including the Krebs cycle, where it can be further oxidized for energy production.
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Ammonia Production
During oxidative deamination, in addition to forming an α-keto acid, ammonia (NH3) is also produced as a byproduct. This ammonia is toxic in high concentrations and is typically converted to urea in the liver through the urea cycle, allowing for safe excretion from the body. Understanding this process is essential for grasping nitrogen metabolism.
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