Transamination is a biochemical reaction where an amino group is transferred from an amino acid to a keto acid, forming a new amino acid and keto acid. This process usually occurs in the liver and other tissues.
The catabolism of amino acid in the liver is a highly complex process that will cause Glutamate to form as a by-product.
Liver
Amino acid synthesis occurs in the body primarily in the liver and to a lesser extent in the kidneys.
Essential amino acids are converted to non-essential amino acids through the process of transamination in the liver. This process involves the transfer of an amino group from an essential amino acid to a keto acid, producing a non-essential amino acid and a new keto acid. The non-essential amino acids can then be used in the synthesis of proteins or other important molecules in the body.
Amino acids inside liver cells can be used for protein synthesis, energy production, or converted into other molecules. Excess amino acids can be converted into glucose or fatty acids for storage. The liver also plays a role in converting toxic by-products of amino acid metabolism into less harmful substances that can be excreted.
The liver plays a crucial role in processing amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It converts excess amino acids into energy or stores them as fat when there is an abundance in the diet. Additionally, the liver synthesizes non-essential amino acids and produces urea to safely excrete excess nitrogen from amino acid breakdown. Overall, the liver helps maintain amino acid balance in the body and supports various metabolic functions.
proteins
The primary site for amino acid uptake after a meal is the small intestine, specifically the duodenum and jejunum. Amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal wall and transported to various tissues for protein synthesis and other metabolic processes.
The process of cleaving off the amino group from an amino acid is called deamination. This reaction results in the formation of ammonia (NH3) and a keto acid. Deamination can occur through different pathways in the body, such as in the liver during amino acid metabolism.
Excess amino acids in the liver are converted into either glucose through gluconeogenesis or stored as fat through lipogenesis. The liver can also convert amino acids into energy through the citric acid cycle if needed.
Glycogenic amino acids are those that can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis in the liver. This process allows them to contribute to the body's energy production. Examples of glycogenic amino acids include alanine, serine, and glycine.