Question

What is the necessary coenzyme for transamination reactions?

(a) Pyridoxal phosphate

(b) Thiamine pyrophosphate

(c) NAD

(d) Coenzyme A

I had been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question originated from Metabolic Fates of Amino Groups in chapter Amino Acid Oxidation and the Production of Urea of Biochemistry

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) Pyridoxal phosphate

For explanation I would say: Pyridoxal phosphate functions as an intermediate carrier of amino groups at the active site of amino transferases.