aminotransferase

(ə-mē'nō-trăns'fə-rās', -rāz', ăm'ə-nō-)
n.

Any of various enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group between an alpha-amino acid and usually a specific carbon on a keto acid. Also called aminopherase, transaminase.

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IN BRIEF: n. - A class of enzymes that promote a movement reaction that catalyze transamination

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An enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transfer of an amino group from an α-amino acid to an α-keto acid using the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate. Called also transaminase.

• alanine a. — an enzyme that has high serum levels after acute damage to liver cells. Called also ALT. See also alanine aminotransferase.
• aspartate a. — an enzyme that has high serum levels after skeletal muscle damage or acute damage to liver cells. Called also AST. See also aspartate aminotransferase.