One step from glutamate: the side-chain carboxyl becomes an amide
Route: Glutamate → Glutamine
Glutamine synthetase uses ATP to put a phosphate on the side-chain carboxyl of glutamate, which gives an acyl-phosphate intermediate. Ammonia then replaces the phosphate and glutamine is released together with ADP and phosphate. The reaction removes free ammonium, which is toxic. Glutamine is the nitrogen donor for many later steps, such as asparagine and the nucleotides.
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| Step | Enzyme | EC | In | Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glutamine synthetase | 6.3.1.2 | NH₄⁺, ATP | ADP, Pᵢ |
Enzyme names and EC numbers are those used on the interactive board. Checked against sources: see the claim table in the repository (tools/pathway_data/checks).