In transamination, the amino group of an amino acid is interchanged with the acid group of an alpha-keto acid.
a.All three statements are true.
b.Two of the three statements are true.
c.Only one of the statements is true.
d.None of the statements is true.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
c. Only one of the statements is true.
Explanation:
Transamination is a biochemical process in which an amino group (-NH₂) from an amino acid is transferred to an α-keto acid. This reaction is catalyzed by enzymes called aminotransferases or transaminases and requires the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), which is derived from vitamin B₆.
Now, let’s analyze the given statement:
- “The amino group of an amino acid is interchanged with the acid group of an alpha-keto acid.”
- This statement is incorrect because the amino group is transferred, but there is no exchange with the “acid group” of the α-keto acid. Instead, the α-keto acid receives the amino group, forming a new amino acid, while the original amino acid becomes a new α-keto acid.
- “All three statements are true.”
- Since the first statement is false, this option cannot be correct.
- “Two of the three statements are true.”
- There are only three statements, and since the first is false, at most only one can be true. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- “Only one of the statements is true.”
- This is the correct answer because only the fact that transamination involves amino acid and α-keto acid transformation is true, but not the exact wording of the original statement.
Key Concept:
Transamination is essential for amino acid metabolism, allowing the body to synthesize non-essential amino acids and manage nitrogen balance. The most common transamination reaction involves glutamate and α-ketoglutarate, which play central roles in amino acid metabolism.
