Aminotransferases, also known as transaminases, are enzymes that play a crucial role in amino acid metabolism. They facilitate the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a keto acid, resulting in the formation of a new amino acid and a new keto acid. This process is essential for the synthesis and degradation of amino acids, which are vital for protein production and various metabolic pathways. The two most commonly measured aminotransferases in clinical settings are alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Elevated levels of these enzymes in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease, making them important biomarkers for diagnosing conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.