Pyridoxal phosphate
Pyridoxal phosphate
Pyridoxal phosphate (pronounced: py-ri-dox-al phos-phate), also known as PLP, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate or P5P, is the active form of vitamin B6 and a coenzyme in a variety of enzymatic reactions.
Etymology
The term "Pyridoxal" is derived from the Greek words "pyridine" and "aldehyde", referring to its chemical structure. "Phosphate" refers to the presence of a phosphate group in the molecule.
Function
Pyridoxal phosphate plays a crucial role in the functioning of the central nervous system and in enzyme activity related to amino acid metabolism. It is involved in many processes in the body including the production of neurotransmitters, the synthesis of hemoglobin and the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.
Related Terms
- Vitamin B6: Pyridoxal phosphate is the active form of vitamin B6, which is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the proper function of sugars, fats, and proteins in the body.
- Coenzyme: A substance that enhances the action of an enzyme. Pyridoxal phosphate is a coenzyme for many enzymatic reactions.
- Amino Acid Metabolism: The set of biochemical processes in the body that break down amino acids. Pyridoxal phosphate plays a key role in these processes.
- Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse. Pyridoxal phosphate is involved in the production of neurotransmitters.
- Hemoglobin: The protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. Pyridoxal phosphate is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin.
- Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that is needed for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. Pyridoxal phosphate is involved in the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pyridoxal phosphate
- Wikipedia's article - Pyridoxal phosphate
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