Synthesis of carboxylic and non-carboxylic α-amino ketones by avian erythrocyte particles

Abstract

1. I. The production of α-amino ketons from gylcine and various acyl derivatives of CoA by freeze-dried particles prepared from avian erythrocytes was measured. 2. 2. Using the synthesis of aminolaevulate and aminoacetone as models, butyryl CoA, propionyls-CoA and glutaryl-CoA, but not malonyl-CoA gave rise to the α-amino ketones expected. 3. 3. The enzymes catalysing the synthesis of non-carboxylic and carboxylic α-amino ketones are chiefly in the supernatant and deposit, respectively, prepared from homogenised particles. 4. 4. It is suggested that the enzymes which catalyse the formation of α-amino ketones in vian erythrocytes include (a) aminolaevulate synthetase which is highly specific for the formation of aminolaevulate, and (b) one or more enzymes which catalyse the formation of non-carboxylic α-amino ketones.