Biochemistry : Protein Catabolism Intermediates

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Protein Catabolism

Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder resulting in a lack of phenylalanine hydroxylase activity. During the first step of phenylalanine metabolism, phenylalanine is hydroxylated into what amino acid?

Possible Answers:

Threonine

Serine

Tyrosine

Tryptophan

Alanine

Correct answer:

Tyrosine

Explanation:

The first step in phenylalanine metabolism is conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine. Tyrsoine is simply a hydroxylated version of phenylalanine. 

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