Aminotransferase is a term that is used in the field of biochemistry and refers to a group of enzymes that are responsible for the transfer of amino groups from one molecule to another. These enzymes play an important role in the metabolism of amino acids and are found in various organs of the body, including the liver, heart, and muscles. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of aminotransferase, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, root words, and provide example sentences to help you better understand this term.
Definitions
Aminotransferase is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a keto acid. It is also known as transaminase or aminopherase. There are two main types of aminotransferases: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
Origin
The term aminotransferase comes from the Latin words “amino” meaning “nitrogen-containing” and “transferase” meaning “enzyme that transfers a chemical group from one molecule to another.” The first aminotransferase was discovered in the 1930s by Arthur Kornberg and Severo Ochoa.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, aminotransferase is “an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a keto acid.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines aminotransferase as “a group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another.”
Associations
Aminotransferase is associated with various medical conditions, including liver disease, heart disease, and muscle disorders. Elevated levels of aminotransferase in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease, and are often used as a diagnostic tool in liver function tests.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of aminotransferase include transaminase, aminopherase, and amino acid transaminase.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of aminotransferase, as it is a specific term related to the transfer of amino groups.
The same root words
Some other words that share the same root words as aminotransferase include amino acid, transfer, and enzyme.
Example Sentences
- Elevated levels of aminotransferase in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease.
- The liver is the primary site of aminotransferase production in the body.
- Aminotransferase levels are often used as a diagnostic tool in liver function tests.
- The enzyme aminotransferase plays an important role in the metabolism of amino acids.
- The activity of aminotransferase can be measured using a variety of laboratory tests.