Reductive amination does not require:

Options

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

Answer

To solve the question regarding what reductive amination does not require, we can break down the process and analyze the options provided.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Reductive Amination**:
- Reductive amination is a biochemical process where an ammonium ion reacts with a keto acid to form an amino acid. In this context, the specific example is the conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate into glutamate.

2. **Identifying Components Required for Reductive Amination**:
- **Keto Acid**: This is necessary as it provides the carbon skeleton for the amino acid. In the case of glutamate synthesis, alpha-ketoglutarate is the keto acid used.
- **Ammonium Ion**: This is essential as it provides the nitrogen needed to form the amino group of the amino acid.
- **Reducing Agent**: A reducing agent, such as NADPH, is required to facilitate the reduction process during the amination reaction.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Keto Acid**: Required (e.g., alpha-ketoglutarate).
- **Ammonium Ion**: Required (provides nitrogen).
- **Reducing Agent**: Required (e.g., NADPH).
- **Nitrogenase**: This enzyme is involved in nitrogen fixation in certain bacteria and is not directly involved in the reductive amination process.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since nitrogenase is not needed for the reductive amination process, the correct answer is **nitrogenase**.

### Final Answer:
Reductive amination does not require **nitrogenase**.

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