If tyrosine level in blood is normal without external supplementation, deficiency of which of the following is ruled out ?
**Core Concept**
The question revolves around tyrosine metabolism, specifically the conversion of tyrosine to other amino acids and neurotransmitters. Tyrosine is an essential amino acid that serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various biogenic amines, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). PAH is responsible for converting phenylalanine to tyrosine. If PAH is deficient or non-functional, phenylalanine levels would be elevated, and tyrosine levels would be low, even in the absence of external supplementation. However, the question states that tyrosine levels are normal, which suggests that the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine is intact.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is a distractor and does not directly relate to the metabolism of tyrosine. While it is true that tyrosine is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, the question is asking about a specific metabolic pathway.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not directly address the relationship between tyrosine levels and phenylalanine hydroxylase activity. While it is true that tyrosine is an amino acid, the question is asking about the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is not directly related to the metabolism of tyrosine. While it is true that tyrosine is involved in the synthesis of catecholamines, the question is asking about a specific metabolic pathway.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) is a cause of phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder characterized by elevated levels of phenylalanine and low levels of tyrosine. PKU is a classic example of a metabolic disorder that can be prevented or treated with dietary restriction of phenylalanine.
**Correct Answer:** C. Phenylalanine hydroxylase.