Decarboxylation of amino acids lysine, ornithine, and arginine results in which products?

Decarboxylation of amino acids such as lysine, ornithine, and arginine primarily leads to the production of amines. This process involves the removal of the carboxyl group (-COOH) from the amino acid, which results in the formation of an amine compound. For instance, during the decarboxylation of lysine, the end product is 1,5-diaminopentane (also known as cadaverine), while ornithine produces putrescine and arginine primarily yields agmatine.

The transformation into amines is significant in various biological contexts, including their roles in cell signaling, neurotransmission, and the formation of biogenic amines, which are crucial for physiological functions. As a result, the production of amines is a key outcome of the decarboxylation reaction of these specific amino acids, illustrating the importance of this metabolic pathway in microbiology and biochemistry.