Which two components are primarily released during transamination?

• A. Amino acid and ammonia
• B. Keto acid and water
• C. Keto acid and nonessential amino acid
• D. Amine group and glucose

Answer: (C)

Transamination is a crucial metabolic process that involves the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a keto acid. This process is vital for amino acid metabolism and the synthesis of nonessential amino acids. The correct answer highlights that during transamination, a keto acid and a nonessential amino acid are formed.

Specifically, the amino group (NH2) from the amino acid is transferred to a keto acid, converting the keto acid into a new amino acid while the original amino acid becomes a keto acid. Nonessential amino acids are those that the body can synthesize and do not require dietary intake, reinforcing the importance of transamination in maintaining amino acid balance within the body.

Understanding the significance of these components helps clarify the role of transamination in protein metabolism and the body's ability to generate necessary amino acids from available precursors, emphasizing the process's critical nature in maintaining cellular functions and overall metabolic health.