5 aminolevulinic acid

5-Aminolevulinic acid
"It is formed by the condensation of glycine and succinite (succinyl-CoA) via the intermediate adipate (2-amino-3-oxo-1,6-hexanedioic acid), which is subsequently decarboxylated (removes CO 2 ) to form 5-aminolevulinic acid."The reaction is catalyzed by aminolevulate synthase (ALA-synthase, ALAS), located in the mitochondrial matrix. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate acts as a cofactor, forming a temporary Schiff base with glycine. Enzyme activity is sensitive to vitamine B6 deficiency. 5-aminolevulinic acid is the starting precoursor in the metabolism of heme.

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