Which non-essential amino acid is synthesised by the hydroxylation of phenylalanine in a reaction catalysed by phenylalanine hydroxylase?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. Tyrosine.
Conversion Process: Phenylalanine hydroxylase catalyzes the hydroxylation of phenylalanine, adding a hydroxyl group (–OH) to form tyrosine. This reaction is essential in the metabolism of phenylalanine.
Non-Essential Nature: Although phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, tyrosine becomes non-essential because it can be synthesized from phenylalanine when sufficient phenylalanine is present.
Clinical Note: A deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase leads to phenylketonuria (PKU), a metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of phenylalanine and a lack of tyrosine synthesis.
Thus, through the hydroxylation of phenylalanine, tyrosine is produced.