Question

$\alpha$-Keto acids other than $\alpha$ -ketoglutarate can accept the amino group from pyridoxamine in enzyme catalyzed transamination reactions. What amino acids are formed when the following a-keto acids accept the amino group?

Short answer

$\alpha$ -keto group of pyruvate and oxaloacetate converts to corresponding amino acid by treating with pyridoxamine and reducing agent. Synthesized amino acids from$\alpha$-keto acids are shown below

1. From pyruvate:
   
2. From oxaloacetate
   

Step-by-step solution

Synthesis of alanine from pyruvate

$\alpha$ -keto group of pyruvate accepts amino group from pyridoxamine is converted to an amino group. This conversion is done by pyridoxamine and reducing agent produces an$\alpha$s-amino acid called alanine.

Synthesis of aspartate from oxaloacetate

$\alpha$-keto group of oxaloacetate converts to an $\alpha$ -amino acid called aspartate in the presence of pyridoxamine and Pd/H₂ reducing agent.

Thus, the given $\alpha$-keto acids are converted to corresponding amino acid is shown above.