What causes pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP) to be so versatile?
A) It reacts very quickly with simple sugars.
B) Its ability to be a one or two electron carrier.
C) The formation of a thioester bond.
D) Its ability to transfer methyl groups.
E) Its ability to form a Schiff base and act as an electron sink.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP) is versatile primarily because of its ability to form a Schiff base with amino acids, which then acts as an electron sink. This property allows PLP to participate in a wide range of enzyme-catalyzed reactions involving amino acids, including transamination, decarboxylation, and racemization.

What Causes Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (PLP) to Be So Versatile