Hereditary orotic aciduria Type-I is due to deficiency of ?
## Core Concept
Hereditary orotic aciduria (HOA) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of enzymes involved in the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. This pathway is crucial for the synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides, which are essential components of DNA and RNA. There are two types of HOA, and Type I is characterized by a specific enzymatic deficiency.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
Hereditary orotic aciduria Type I is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) and orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase (ODC). However, the more specific and commonly emphasized deficiency for Type I is orotate phosphoribosyltransferase. This enzyme plays a critical role in the conversion of orotate to orotidine 5'-phosphate, a step necessary for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. The combined deficiency of OPRT and ODC leads to the accumulation of orotic acid, which is then excreted in the urine, giving the condition its name.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately represent the enzyme deficiency associated with hereditary orotic aciduria Type I.
- **Option B:** This option might seem plausible but does not specifically correspond to the enzyme deficiency causing Type I of the condition.
- **Option C:** This is the correct enzyme related to the pathway but specifying the correct answer requires accuracy in the context of Type I HOA.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect as it does not accurately represent the deficiency leading to hereditary orotic aciduria Type I.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key clinical feature of hereditary orotic aciduria is the presence of megaloblastic anemia and the excretion of orotic acid in the urine. Patients often respond well to treatment with uridine or cytidine, which bypasses the enzymatic block. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the clinical outcome.
## Correct Answer: B. Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase.