AMINOTRANSFERASES Meaning and
Definition
-
Aminotransferases, also known as transaminases, are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in various biological processes within living organisms. These enzymes catalyze the transfer of an amino group from one compound to another, typically from an amino acid to a keto acid, resulting in the formation of a different amino acid and keto acid.
Aminotransferases are primarily involved in amino acid metabolism, which is essential for protein synthesis, energy production, and the elimination of ammonia, a toxic byproduct of amino acid breakdown. They are present in various tissues and organs, including the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, and kidneys.
The most well-known types of aminotransferases are alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are commonly used as clinical markers to assess liver function and diagnose liver diseases. Elevated levels of these enzymes in the bloodstream may indicate liver damage or disease.
Furthermore, aminotransferases are important diagnostic tools in medical laboratories, as their measurement can provide insights into various conditions, including liver diseases, myocardial infarction, and muscle disorders. They are commonly measured through blood tests, in which the levels of ALT and AST are quantified.
In summary, aminotransferases are a class of enzymes that facilitate the transfer of amino groups between compounds, contributing to essential biological processes such as protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism. They play a vital role in maintaining overall health and are widely used as diagnostic markers in clinical settings.
Common Misspellings for AMINOTRANSFERASES
- amminotransferase
- amiinotransferases
- zminotransferases
- sminotransferases
- wminotransferases
- qminotransferases
- aninotransferases
- akinotransferases
- ajinotransferases
- amunotransferases
- amjnotransferases
- amknotransferases
- amonotransferases
- am9notransferases
- am8notransferases
- amibotransferases
- amimotransferases
- amijotransferases
- amihotransferases
- aminitransferases
Etymology of AMINOTRANSFERASES
The word "aminotransferases" is derived from two main components: "amino" and "transaminase".
1. Amino: The term "amino" originated from the Latin word "amīni", which means "a compound containing nitrogen". In biological terms, it refers to the presence of an amino group (-NH2), which is a key component of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins).
2. Transaminase: The term "transaminase" can be divided into two parts: "trans" and "aminase".
- Trans: "Trans" is a Latin prefix meaning "across", "beyond" or "through". In the context of transaminases, it reflects the process by which an amino group is transferred from one molecule to another.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
