Co-enzyme used in transamination –
**Core Concept**
Transamination is a crucial biochemical reaction where an amino group is transferred from an amino acid to a keto acid, facilitated by a co-enzyme. This process is essential for the synthesis and degradation of amino acids, and it plays a vital role in nitrogen metabolism. The co-enzyme involved in this reaction is a derivative of vitamin B6.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The co-enzyme used in transamination is pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), which is a derivative of vitamin B6. PLP acts as a co-factor for transaminases, also known as aminotransferases, to catalyze the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a keto acid. This reaction is essential for the synthesis and degradation of amino acids, and it plays a vital role in nitrogen metabolism. PLP is formed when pyridoxal, a form of vitamin B6, is phosphorylated by ATP.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because PLP is not the co-enzyme used in dehydrogenation reactions.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) is a co-enzyme used in oxidation-reduction reactions, not transamination.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a co-enzyme used in oxidation-reduction reactions, not transamination.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
PLP is not only essential for transamination but also plays a crucial role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Deficiencies in PLP can lead to neurological disorders, such as sideroblastic anemia and peripheral neuropathy.
**Correct Answer:** . Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)