Provide a chemical reason to explain why pyridoxal phosphate is needed for the decarboxylation of L

Provide a chemical reason to explain why pyridoxal phosphate is needed for the decarboxylation of L-DOPA to dopamine (review your PHAR 332 for this answer).

Ans: Pyridoxal phosphate reacts with L-Dopa to form a Schiff-base intermediate that activates the carboxylic group for decarboxylation to give dopamine.