Transamination

Transamination denotes a shift of the α - amino group of an amino acid to an α -keto acid. This creates a new amino acid and a new α -keto acid are formed. This reaction is catalyzed by aminotransferases and the coenzyme pyridoxal phosphate. Pyridoxal phosphate is the active form of pyridoxine (vitamin B6).

An example of this reaction is the conversion of alpha -ketoglutarate and alanine to glutamate and pyruvate, and vice versa. In this way, the organism can (not essential) produce or degrade amino acids themselves.