Definition of Deamination



Deamination is a chemical process which is responsible for the removal of the amino groups (-NH2) from the molecules. This reaction is catalyzed by a certain group of enzymes which are termed as deaminases. Deamination in the humans happens in the liver as well as in kidneys. The liver is considered the primary organ which carries out the process of removing the amino groups.

 


When there is an excess of proteins in the body, the amino acids are broken down and hence, energy is produced which is utilized in carrying out various reactions that sustain the life. The removed amino group is transformed into ammonia which goes into the urea cycle to get converted into urea or uric acid. These three nitrogenous compounds are toxic for the human system and are therefore excreted out of the body through urine.

 

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