Involved in the biosynthesis of alanine (PubMed:20729367). Catalyzes the transamination of pyruvate by glutamate, leading to the formation of L-alanine and 2-oxoglutarate. Is also able to catalyze the reverse reaction (PubMed:20729367). 2-oxoglutarate + L-alanine = L-glutamate + pyruvate Amino-acid biosynthesis; L-alanine biosynthesis. Homodimer. Activated by SgrR and modestly repressed by alanine and leucine via Lrp. Belongs to the class-I pyridoxal-phosphate-dependent aminotransferase family.