Pyridoxal phosphate acts as a coenzyme in all transamination reactions, and in some oxylation and deamination reactions of amino acids. The aldehyde group of pyridoxal phosphate forms a Schiff-base linkage with the epsilon-amino group of a specific lysine group of the aminotransferase enzyme.

What does pyridoxal phosphate do?

Pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine phosphate, the catalytically active forms of vitamin B(6), influence brain function by participating at stages in metabolism of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, other coenzymes and hormones.

What is the role of pyridoxal phosphate in amino acid metabolism?

Pyridoxal phosphate is the coenzyme of amino acid metabolism (24). In some of its reactions, which are transaminations, it acts as an amino carrier. Pyridoxal phosphate is an excellent example of a single coenzyme capable of catalyzing completely different reactions.