Which amino acid accumulates in classic phenylketonuria due to the blocked conversion to tyrosine?

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Multiple Choice

Which amino acid accumulates in classic phenylketonuria due to the blocked conversion to tyrosine?

Explanation:
Phenylalanine hydroxylase normally converts phenylalanine to tyrosine; when this step is blocked in classic phenylketonuria, phenylalanine cannot be metabolized and thus builds up in the body. Tyrosine production drops, so it becomes conditionally essential rather than accumulating. The other amino acids listed are not affected by this specific block, so they don’t accumulate due to the enzyme deficiency.

Phenylalanine hydroxylase normally converts phenylalanine to tyrosine; when this step is blocked in classic phenylketonuria, phenylalanine cannot be metabolized and thus builds up in the body. Tyrosine production drops, so it becomes conditionally essential rather than accumulating. The other amino acids listed are not affected by this specific block, so they don’t accumulate due to the enzyme deficiency.

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