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GATE 2025 BT – Question 17

General Biology · Biochemistry: Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and nucleic acids, glycolysis, citric acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, photosynthesis, respiration and electron transport · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Which one of the following coenzymes is utilised by alanine racemase for the conversion of L-Alanine to D-Alanine?

  1. Pyridoxal phosphate
  2. Thiamine pyrophosphate
  3. Tetrahydrofolate
  4. Flavin mononucleotide

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Correct answer: (A) Pyridoxal phosphate

Explanation

Amino acid racemases, like alanine racemase, need pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6), which forms a Schiff base with the amino acid and lets the alpha proton be removed and put back on the other face.