Chapter 24, Problem 72P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

To differentiate between transamination and oxidative deamination.

Concept introduction:

Amino acids are organic compounds containing two functional groups namely amino and carboxylic group. Amino group is attached to the alpha carbon, carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group making them alpha amino acids.

  

During the catabolism of amino acids, the first step is the removal of amino group from the alpha carbon and then the formation of ${\text{NH}}_4{}^{+}$ by two-step pathway namely transamination which is then followed by oxidative deamination.