Question

Glutamine is biosynthesised from glutamate in two steps using ATP and ammonia. Propose a mechanism for this biosynthesis.

Short answer

Mechanism followed as:

Step-by-step solution

Synthesis of glutamine from glutamate

The glutamine synthesis from glutamate occurs from alpha-ketoglutarate produced as an intermediate in the TCA cycle (citric acid cycle). The reaction occurs by glutamine synthase, an allosteric enzyme. The reaction occurs in the presence of ammonia, and ATP is converted to ADP.

Mechanism

Mechanism followed as:

1. Glutamate is converted to Y - glutamyl phosphate as an intermediate by adding a phosphate ion.

With the conversion of ATP to ADP

1. Glutamate synthase is added with the ammonia phosphate group and is replaced by amine and glutamine formed.