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Multiple Choice

AST abbreviation stands for which enzyme name?

AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, an enzyme that transfers an amino group from aspartate to α-ketoglutarate to form oxaloacetate and glutamate. This transaminase is part of amino acid metabolism and is found in liver, heart, and skeletal muscle, which is why it’s measured as part of liver panels and in other tissue injuries. The other names listed correspond to different enzymes: alanine aminotransferase is ALT, which acts on alanine; lactic acid dehydrogenase is LDH, involved in lactate to pyruvate conversion; and alanyl transferase isn’t a standard enzyme name. Thus, the abbreviation AST correctly refers to aspartate aminotransferase.

AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, an enzyme that transfers an amino group from aspartate to α-ketoglutarate to form oxaloacetate and glutamate. This transaminase is part of amino acid metabolism and is found in liver, heart, and skeletal muscle, which is why it’s measured as part of liver panels and in other tissue injuries.

The other names listed correspond to different enzymes: alanine aminotransferase is ALT, which acts on alanine; lactic acid dehydrogenase is LDH, involved in lactate to pyruvate conversion; and alanyl transferase isn’t a standard enzyme name. Thus, the abbreviation AST correctly refers to aspartate aminotransferase.