Question

The synthesis of glutamine from glutamic acid requires the production of an activated intermediate followed by a condensation step that completes the process. Both amino acids are shown in Figure Q3-71.

Which molecule is added to glutamic acid in the activation step?
(A) phosphate
(B) NH3
(C) ATP
(D) ADP

Answer 1

In the activation step of the synthesis of glutamine, ATP is added to glutamic acid to create an activated intermediate. activated intermediate that can proceed to the condensation step. This activation step allows for the incorporation of inorganic nitrogen (NH4+) into an α-keto acid to form the amino acid glutamine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecule added to glutamic acid in the activation step of the synthesis of glutamine is ATP (adenosine triphosphate). In this process, glutamic acid binds to a specific aminoacyl tRNA synthase along with ATP. After ATP hydrolysis, AMP is linked to the amino acid, resulting in an activated intermediate that can proceed to the condensation step. This activation step allows for the incorporation of inorganic nitrogen (NH4+) into an α-keto acid to form the amino acid glutamine.

In the activation step of the synthesis of glutamine, ATP is added to glutamic acid to create an activated intermediate. activated intermediate that can proceed to the condensation step. This activation step allows for the incorporation of inorganic nitrogen (NH4+) into an α-keto acid to form the amino acid glutamine.