What is Decarboxylation Reaction and Biogenic Amines

What are biogenic amines? Any of a group of naturally occurring, biologically active amines, such as norepinephrine, histamine and serotonin, that act primarily as neurotransmitters and are capable of affecting mental functioning and of regulating blood pressure, body temperature and other bodily processes are called biogenic amines.

Amines are usually formed by the decarboxylatim of amino acids. Decarboxylation is the reaction by which C0₂ is removed from COOH group of an amino acid. As a result, an amine is formed. The reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme dicarboxylase, which requires pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6) as a coenzyme. Biogenic amines formed from various amino acids and their biologic importance

Next, in our study of amino acid metabolism, we shall look at the non-protein functions of amino acid. Yes, the non-protein functions of amino acids. The well-known function of amino acid is as the building block or the basic unit of proteins. Additionally, amino acids perform other functions as well without being a part of the protein molecule. Let us learn about these functions next.