Aminotransferase enzymes, also known as transaminases, play a crucial role in amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis. These enzymes catalyze the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to an -keto acid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid and a new -keto acid. This process is called transamination. The two most common aminotransferases are alanine aminotransferase ALT and aspartate aminotransferase AST , which are involved in the metabolism of alanine and aspartate, respectively.The primary role of aminotransferases in amino acid metabolism is to facilitate the interconversion of amino acids and -keto acids. This is important for several reasons:1. Biosynthesis of non-essential amino acids: Aminotransferases help synthesize non-essential amino acids, which are not obtained through the diet, by transferring amino groups to appropriate -keto acids.2. Degradation of amino acids: Aminotransferases are involved in the first step of amino acid degradation, where the amino group is removed from the amino acid, forming an -keto acid. The -keto acid can then enter various metabolic pathways, such as the citric acid cycle, for energy production.3. Gluconeogenesis: Aminotransferases play a role in gluconeogenesis, the process of generating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. The amino groups removed from amino acids can be used to synthesize new glucose molecules in the liver.4. Nitrogen balance: Aminotransferases help maintain the balance of nitrogen in the body by transferring amino groups between different molecules.Changes in aminotransferase activity can significantly affect the metabolic pathways involved in protein synthesis and degradation. For example:1. Increased aminotransferase activity: This can lead to an increased rate of amino acid degradation, which may result in a negative nitrogen balance and muscle wasting. It can also lead to an increased rate of non-essential amino acid synthesis, which may affect the availability of essential amino acids for protein synthesis.2. Decreased aminotransferase activity: This can result in a reduced rate of amino acid degradation and non-essential amino acid synthesis. This may lead to an accumulation of amino acids and -keto acids, which can be toxic to the body. It can also affect the availability of essential amino acids for protein synthesis, leading to impaired protein synthesis and potentially affecting overall growth and development.In summary, aminotransferase enzymes play a vital role in amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis by facilitating the interconversion of amino acids and -keto acids. Changes in their activity can significantly impact metabolic pathways involved in protein synthesis and degradation, with potential consequences for overall growth, development, and health.