Reductive amination does not require:

Options

A. keto acids
B. Ammonium ion
C. Reducing agent
D. Nitrogenase

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Reductive Amination**: Reductive amination is a biochemical process where ammonia reacts with a keto acid to form an amino acid. This process typically involves the conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate to glutamate.

2. **Identifying the Components**: In the reductive amination process, the key components involved are:
- A keto acid (e.g., alpha-ketoglutarate)
- Ammonium ion (NH4+)
- A reducing agent (often NADPH)
- An enzyme (in this case, Glutamate Dehydrogenase)

3. **Analyzing the Options**: The question asks which component is not required for reductive amination. The options provided are:
- Keto Acids
- Ammonium
- Iron
- Reducing Agent
- Nitrogenase

4. **Evaluating Each Option**:
- **Keto Acids**: Required for the reaction as they react with ammonium to form amino acids.
- **Ammonium**: Essential as it provides the nitrogen needed for amino acid synthesis.
- **Iron**: Not directly involved in the reductive amination process.
- **Reducing Agent**: Necessary for the reduction of the keto acid.
- **Nitrogenase**: This enzyme is involved in nitrogen fixation and is not required for reductive amination.

5. **Conclusion**: The component that is not required for reductive amination is **Iron**.

**Final Answer**: Iron

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