The enzyme -serine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.17) catalyzes the chemical reaction
-serine = pyruvate + NH3 (overall reaction)
(1a) -serine = 2-aminoprop-2-enoate + H2O
(1b) 2-aminoprop-2-enoate = 2-iminopropanoate (spontaneous)
(1c) 2-iminopropanoate + H2O = pyruvate + NH3 (spontaneous)
This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically ammonia lyases, which cleave carbon-nitrogen bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is -serine ammonia-lyase (pyruvate-forming). Other names in common use include serine deaminase, L-hydroxyaminoacid dehydratase, -serine deaminase, -serine dehydratase, and -serine hydro-lyase (deaminating). This enzyme participates in glycine, serine, threonine and cysteine metabolism. It employs one cofactor, pyridoxal phosphate.
Structural studies.
As of late 2007, 4 structures have been solved for this class of enzymes, with PDB accession codes 1P5J, 1PWE, 1PWH, and 2IQQ.
References.
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