Amino Acids as Metabolic Precursors Flashcards
1
Q
What enzyme converts Phenylalanine to Tyrosine?
A
Phenylalanine Hydroxylase. Requires coenzyme Tetrahydrobiopterin
2
Q
What happens when Phenylalanine Hydroxylase is not active?
A
Phenylalanine will form Phenylpyruvate
3
Q
What is the therapy for PKU?
A
A low phenylalanine diet (no aspartame) that contains adequate amounts of phenylalanine and tyrosine
4
Q
What does Tyrosine hydroxylase do?
A
Converts Tyrosine to Catecholamines
5
Q
What does Tryptophan hydroxylase do?
A
Converts Tryptophan to Serotonin
6
Q
What is DOPA?
A
Precursor used in the synthesis of melanin. Hyperphenylalaninemias cause pigmentation defects by reducing melanin synthesis
