Chapter 26, Problem 26.35EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

To name the two $\text{α-keto}$ acids those are most often reactants in transamination reactions.

Concept introduction:

Transamination reaction is a biochemical reaction that involves the transfer of an amino group. In transamination reaction exchange of an amino group from an $\text{α-amino}$ acid with a keto group of $\text{α-keto}$ acid. There occurs no net loss or gain of amino acid in transamination reaction.

The general reaction to illustrate transamination is as follows:

An acid containing both carbonyl and carboxyl functional group is known as a keto acid. A general representation of a keto acid is: