Glutaminase Catabolism of Glutamine

The video explains the mechanism of glutaminase, an enzyme that reverses the reaction of glutamine synthetase by converting glutamine back to glutamate. It details the steps involved in the enzyme's mechanism, including nucleophilic attack and hydrolysis, and highlights the enzyme's importance in energy production and the urea cycle. The video also discusses the role of glutaminase in the liver's mitochondria, where it helps catabolize glutamine for energy and facilitates ammonia excretion through the urea cycle.

What is the primary function of glutamine synthetase in relation to ammonia?

Describe the role of glutaminase in reversing the reaction catalyzed by glutamine synthetase.

Explain the mechanism of the nucleophilic attack by deprotonated cysteine on glutamine.

What happens to the tetrahedral intermediate formed during the reaction catalyzed by glutaminase?

How does the hydrolysis of the thioester linkage occur in the mechanism of glutaminase?

What type of enzyme is glutaminase and what is its significance in the liver?

What is the final product of the reaction catalyzed by glutaminase and how does it relate to the urea cycle?