In nature, pyridoxal phosphate reacts with an enzyme (abbreviated as $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{~N}$-Enzyme) to form a coenzyme that catalyses the conversion of $\alpha$-amino acids into $\alpha$-keto acids. (Section 23.2)
<smiles></smiles> $+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{~N}-$ Enzyme $\rightleftharpoons \mathrm{Coenzyme}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$
pyridoxal phosphate
(a) Draw the structure of the coenzyme and name the functional group that is formed.
(b) Is the coenzyme formed by an addition reaction, a substitution reaction, or an addition-elimination reaction? Explain your reasoning.
(c) An acid within the active site of the enzyme plays an important part in the mechanism of the reaction to produce the coenzyme. Explain the role of an acid in this type of transformation.
(d) Give the general structure of an $\alpha$-amino acid, with one $\alpha$-hydrogen atom.
(e) Suggest a method for converting aldehydes and ketones into $\alpha$-amino acids in the laboratory.