Question

From __________ acid, more than 17 amino acids are formed through transamination.
A. Aspartic
B. Glutamic
C. Acetic
D. Pyruvic

Answer 1

Hint: The process of transformation in which the amino acids are removed from the keto group to form new amino acids. There are 20 amino acids.

Complete answer: Aspartic acid –
Aspartic acids have a carboxyl group and the amino group. Due to the presence of the carboxylic acid group, it is an acidic amino acid. However, it does not have an alkyl group so transamination does not occur. It is a non-essential amino acid. This means that it is synthesized by our bodies.
Glutamic acid –
Glutamic acids have a propanoic acid group and the amino group. Due to the presence of the carboxylic acid group, it is an acidic amino acid. It contains an alkyl group. Due to this, the transamination occurs. This ethyl carboxylic group can be replaced with several groups from different types of a keto acid. Due to this, as many as 17 amino acids can be formed from the glutamic acid through transamination. It is a non-essential amino acid. This means that it is synthesized by our bodies.
Acetic acid –
It is known as ethanoic acid. It is commonly found in vinegar. Acetic acid does not contain an amino group so transamination does not occur.
Pyruvic acid –
Pyruvic acid is 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid. It is the keto derivative of propionic acid. It is the simplest alpha-keto acid. It does not contain any amino groups so transamination does not occur.
Hence, the correct answer is option (B)

Note: Transamination is made up of two words, Trans which means a transfer, and Amination, which means the transfer of the amino group. Thus, transamination is the process in which the amino groups are removed from the amino acids and transferred to the keto acid, to form a new keto-acid version of the actual amino acid. It is done in the presence of a transaminase enzyme.