The first step in the catabolism of most
Aas once in the liver is the removal of
the α-amino group
• This reaction is catalyzes by a group of
enzymes called the aminotransferases
or the transanimases
• In general, the amino group is
transferred from the AA to α-Keto –
glutarate, leaving behind the α-Keto
id l f h AA d d i L
acid analog of the and producing Lglutamate
• So great. We started with an AA and
an α-Keto acid and we ended with an
AA and an α-Keto acid