Aminolevulinate transaminase

In enzymology, an aminolevulinate transaminase is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction


 * 5-aminolevulinate + pyruvate $$\rightleftharpoons$$ 4,5-dioxopentanoate + L-alanine

Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are 5-aminolevulinate and pyruvate, whereas its two products are 4,5-dioxopentanoate and L-alanine.

This enzyme belongs to the family of transferases, specifically the transaminases, which transfer nitrogenous groups. The systematic name of this enzyme class is 5-aminolevulinate:pyruvate aminotransferase. Other names in common use include. This enzyme participates in porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism. It employs one cofactor, pyridoxal phosphate.