Final answer:
Transferases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of functional groups from one molecule to another, as seen in reactions like kinases transferring phosphate groups and transaminases transferring amino groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transferases are a class of enzymes responsible for the movement of functional groups from one molecule to another. These group-transfer reactions are a fundamental part of biological chemistry, facilitating the transfer of groups such as phosphate, amino, or acetyl between different molecules. For instance, kinases, which are a type of transferase, transfer phosphate groups to various substrates. Transaminases, on the other hand, move amino groups from one molecule to form a new amino acid. An example of a transaminase reaction is the conversion of α-Ketoglutarate and Alanine to Glutamate and Pyruvate by the enzyme ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE.
These reactions are essential in various metabolic pathways, including those involved in amino acid metabolism and energy production. The active sites of enzymes like transferases typically contain specialized functional groups that act as catalysts, promoting the transfer of groups between molecules. Such functional group transfers can be critical for the biochemical transformations necessary for life.