Aminolevulinic Acid

Also written as ALA.

The first and rate-limiting step of heme biosynthesis is condensation of glycine and succinyl-CoA to form δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA).

What our notes say

• The first and rate-limiting step of heme biosynthesis is condensation of glycine and succinyl-CoA to form δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). (bchem EOY 2011 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
• ALA Synthase (rate-limiting enzyme):Succinyl CoA + Glycine → δ-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) (Chemical Pathology Practice Examination)
• Urinary δ-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA):Also markedly elevated during attacks (but less specific than PBG) (Chemical Pathology Practice Examination)

Study material on Aminolevulinic Acid

• Chemical Pathology Practice Examination
• bchem EOY 2011
• bchem EOY 2011 (2)
• cat 2 2014 — Source Paper Awaiting Edit

Related topics

• Nucleic Acid Structure
• Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
• Clinical Enzymology
• Ribonucleic Acids
• Electron Transport Chain
• Acute Intermittent Porphyria
• Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
• Adenosine Monophosphate
• Eukaryotic Transcription
• Second Messengers