Which process involves the removal of the amine group from amino acids?

The process that involves the removal of the amine group from amino acids is deamination. During this biochemical reaction, the amino group (-NH2) is removed from the amino acid, resulting in the formation of ammonia and a corresponding keto acid. This is a crucial step in amino acid catabolism, allowing for the conversion of amino acids into usable forms of energy or their transformation into other compounds that the body needs.

Deamination not only facilitates the energy extraction from proteins but also helps in the regulation of nitrogen balance within the body. The ammonia produced can be converted to urea in the liver and excreted through urine, which further illustrates the importance of this process in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.