BSC 2010C Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Phenylalanine, Benzene, Chemical Formula
Document Summary
Phenylalanine is one of the 20 amino acids that make up proteins and is classified as an essential amino acid because it cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained from the diet. It is an aromatic amino acid, meaning that it contains a benzene ring in its chemical structure. Phenylalanine has a complex structure, consisting of a three-carbon chain with a benzene ring- containing side chain. Phenylalanine plays a critical role in protein synthesis, as it is incorporated into proteins during the process of translation. Phenylalanine is also a precursor to several important molecules in the body, including tyrosine, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These molecules are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including mood regulation, energy metabolism, and the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate.
