Question

The enzyme glutamine oxoglutarate amino transferase (GOGAT) is also known as

• A. Glutamate dehydrogenase
• B. Glutamine synthetase
• C. Glutamate synthase
• D. Ureide Synthase

Hint:

The GS-GOGAT pathway is the major high-affinity route for ammonia assimilation in plants, utilizing ATP and reducing equivalents (NADH or reduced ferredoxin) to build amino acids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In plants and microorganisms, inorganic nitrogen (ammonium) is primarily incorporated into organic molecules through the coordinated action of two enzymes: Glutamine Synthetase (GS) and Glutamate Synthase (GOGAT).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
GOGAT stands for Glutamine:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase.
This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from glutamine to 2-oxoglutarate (derived from the TCA cycle), producing two molecules of glutamate.
Because its primary function is the synthesis of glutamate from glutamine and \(\alpha\)-ketoglutarate, the enzyme is systematically and commonly referred to as Glutamate synthase.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The enzyme GOGAT is also known as Glutamate synthase.