Glutamine synthetase

As we all know, the normal functioning of our human body is inseparable from the cooperation of many aspects, such as some organs, substances, etc., none of which is indispensable. In fact, in addition to these macro aspects, there are some surrounding substances that play a very important role in human health. Similarly, the human body cannot do without these tiny substances, such as minerals, as well as some salt, potassium, zinc, calcium, enzymes, etc., which are invisible to our naked eyes.

When it comes to enzymes, most people probably have no idea what they are, but for those scholars and experts in the field of biology, they are very familiar with them. They clearly know the importance of these enzymes to our bodies and the impact they will cause if they are indeed effective. Let me introduce you to an enzyme: glutamine synthetase.

Glutamine synthetase is an enzyme that controls nitrogen metabolism. The amino acid glutamine is not only used by cells to synthesize proteins, but also to transport nitrogen. Free ammonium ions are toxic to organisms and cannot exist in too much amount in the blood. However, some biological processes produce free ammonium ions, so glutamine is used to transport these ammonium ions. When cells need to transport excess ammonium ions, they use ammonium ions and glutamate to synthesize glutamine, consuming ATP. This reaction is catalyzed by glutamine synthetase. This reaction is carried out in two steps. The enzyme first allows ATP and glutamate to react to produce γ-glutamyl phosphate; then ammonium ions come up and replace the phosphate.

In the study of higher plants, GS is often defined as an enzyme necessary for plant ammonia assimilation. Human glutamine synthetase is called hGS.

Glutamine synthetases can be divided into three major groups:

GSI: distributed in prokaryotes.

GSII: Mainly distributed in eukaryotes and a small number of bacteria, such as rhizobia and actinomycetes.

GSIII: Currently only found in a small number of bacteria, such as Bacteroides fragilis and Butyrivibrio fibrinolyticus.

Through the above detailed introduction to glutamine synthetase, I believe many people have a further understanding of glutamine synthetase, and also know the importance of glutamine synthetase to our human body. That is why we need to better restore our bodies to ensure that the quantities of these enzymes remain normal in order to maintain basic health and stability of the human body.