Important for the metabolism of amino acids and Krebs-cycle related organic acids. In plants, it is involved in nitrogen metabolism and in aspects of carbon and energy metabolism. 2-oxoglutarate + L-aspartate = L-glutamate + oxaloacetate Homodimer. A number of isoforms are produced. According to EST sequences. In eukaryotes there are cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and chloroplastic isozymes. Belongs to the class-I pyridoxal-phosphate-dependent aminotransferase family.