transamination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “transamination” mean?
The biochemical process of transferring an amino group from one amino acid to a keto acid, forming a new amino acid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The biochemical process of transferring an amino group from one amino acid to a keto acid, forming a new amino acid.
The primary pathway for the synthesis and degradation of amino acids, central to nitrogen metabolism in living organisms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Usage and context are identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specialist literature in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “transamination” in a Sentence
the transamination of X (to Y)transamination between X and YVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transamination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Alanine can transaminate with α-ketoglutarate.
American English
- The enzyme transaminates the substrate efficiently.
adverb
British English
- The group was transferred transaminatively.
adjective
British English
- The transaminative pathway is crucial.
American English
- Transamination activity was measured.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition texts and research papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in metabolic engineering, clinical diagnostics (e.g., liver function tests), and enzymology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transamination”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transamination”
- Misspelling as 'transmination' or 'transammination'. Using it as a verb (the verb is 'transaminate').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Transamination transfers an amino group to a new molecule, while deamination removes it entirely, typically producing ammonia.
It is essential for synthesizing non-essential amino acids and for safely redistributing nitrogen within the body for excretion or reuse.
Primarily in the cytoplasm and mitochondria, depending on the specific enzyme and tissue.
No. Lysine and threonine do not undergo classic transamination; they are degraded by other pathways.
The biochemical process of transferring an amino group from one amino acid to a keto acid, forming a new amino acid.
Transamination is usually technical / scientific in register.
Transamination: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtræn.sæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtræn.sæm.əˈneɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TRANSfer of an AMINe group = TRANSAMINATION.
Conceptual Metaphor
A molecular swap meet where amino groups are exchanged between molecules.
Practice
Quiz
Which enzyme class is primarily responsible for transamination reactions?