ORNITHINE AMINOTRANSFERASE Meaning and
Definition
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Ornithine aminotransferase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of amino acids, specifically the conversion of ornithine into glutamate. It is a member of the aminotransferase family, which catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to an α-keto acid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid.
Ornithine aminotransferase is involved in a biochemical pathway known as the urea cycle. This cycle is responsible for the elimination of excess nitrogen produced during protein metabolism. Ornithine, an amino acid derived from arginine, enters the cycle and is converted into citrulline by the action of ornithine aminotransferase. This conversion allows the further breakdown of citrulline into arginine, which then participates in the synthesis of urea.
Deficiencies or mutations in ornithine aminotransferase can lead to a rare genetic disorder called ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTC deficiency). OTC deficiency is characterized by the accumulation of ammonia in the blood and can cause severe neurological symptoms, coma, and even death if left untreated.
The measurement of ornithine aminotransferase levels in the blood can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess liver function and monitor liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver damage. Elevated levels of ornithine aminotransferase may indicate liver cell injury or necrosis. Regular monitoring of this enzyme can be crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment strategies and their impact on liver health.
Common Misspellings for ORNITHINE AMINOTRANSFERASE
- irnithine aminotransferase
- krnithine aminotransferase
- lrnithine aminotransferase
- prnithine aminotransferase
- 0rnithine aminotransferase
- 9rnithine aminotransferase
- oenithine aminotransferase
- odnithine aminotransferase
- ofnithine aminotransferase
- otnithine aminotransferase
- o5nithine aminotransferase
- o4nithine aminotransferase
- orbithine aminotransferase
- ormithine aminotransferase
- orjithine aminotransferase
- orhithine aminotransferase
- ornuthine aminotransferase
- ornjthine aminotransferase
- ornkthine aminotransferase
- ornothine aminotransferase
Etymology of ORNITHINE AMINOTRANSFERASE
The word "ornithine" is derived from the compound's initial discovery in the urea cycle by German chemist Emil Fischer, who isolated it from the hydrolysis of ornithuric acid (a compound found in ornithine and urea), which was named after the Greek word "ornis" meaning "bird" due to its presence in bird excrements. "Aminotransferase", on the other hand, is composed of the prefix "amino", referring to the presence of an amino group, and "transferase", which denotes an enzyme that transfers a functional group from one molecule to another. When combined, "ornithine aminotransferase" signifies an enzyme that transfers an amino group to or from ornithine.
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