How Do You Spell ASPARTATE TRANSAMINASE?

1. Aspartate Transaminase, also known as AST, is an enzyme that is primarily found in various organs and tissues within the human body, particularly in the liver, heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscles. It plays a vital role in the metabolic processes of amino acid synthesis and degradation.

   AST specifically catalyzes the reversible transfer of an amino group from aspartate, an amino acid, to an alpha-ketoglutarate, a keto acid, resulting in the formation of glutamate and oxaloacetate. This process is essential for the production of key molecules involved in energy production and nitrogen metabolism.

   In clinical medicine, the levels of AST are frequently measured as a diagnostic tool to assess the health and function of the liver and heart, particularly in cases of suspected liver damage or cardiac disorders. Elevated levels of AST in the bloodstream can indicate liver cell injury or inflammation, such as in conditions like viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or drug-induced liver toxicity. Additionally, AST levels can rise following a heart attack or other cardiac events, making it a valuable marker for evaluating heart muscle damage.

   The measurement of AST levels is typically done through a blood test. The normal range of AST activity in the blood may vary slightly depending on the laboratory or country, but it typically ranges from 10 to 40 units per liter (U/L) or international units per liter (IU/L) in healthy individuals.

   Overall, the aspartate transaminase enzyme is an important biochemical marker that provides valuable information about liver and heart health, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions.

Common Misspellings for ASPARTATE TRANSAMINASE

The word "Aspartate Transaminase" has its etymology rooted in the names of the compounds it refers to.

"Aspartate" derives from the Latin word "asparaginum", which means "asparagine", an amino acid that is involved in protein synthesis. Asparaginum itself comes from the Greek word "asparagos", meaning "sprout" or "shoot".

"Transaminase" is a combination of the Latin prefix "trans-", indicating "across" or "beyond", and the word "aminase", which comes from "amine", a term for a type of organic compound containing a nitrogen atom.

Therefore, "Aspartate Transaminase" is a compound term indicating an enzyme that facilitates the transfer of an amino group from the compound aspartate to another molecule.