Which is the enzyme deficient in Tyrosinemia type I
**Core Concept:**
Tyrosinemia is a group of inherited disorders characterized by the accumulation of toxic tyrosine and its derivatives in the body due to defects in enzymes involved in tyrosine catabolism. Tyrosinemia type I is caused by a deficiency in fumarylacetoacetase enzyme, which is part of the mitochondrial enzyme complex known as the Alternative Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (AACT). This enzyme is crucial for the breakdown of tyrosine and other aromatic amino acids.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Tyrosinemia type I is caused by a deficiency in fumarylacetoacetase enzyme, which leads to the accumulation of toxic intermediates such as fumarylacetoacetate and hydroxyphenyllactate. These substances cause liver damage, bone abnormalities, and neurological symptoms if not properly processed. The enzyme fumarylacetoacetase is a crucial part of the Alternative Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (AACT) enzyme complex.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A) Fumarase is another enzyme involved in the same pathway, but it is not the deficient enzyme in Tyrosinemia type I.
B) Tyrosinase is a different enzyme involved in tyrosine degradation, but it is not the deficient enzyme in Tyrosinemia type I.
C) Tyrosine ammonia lyase is another enzyme in the same pathway, but it is not the deficient enzyme in Tyrosinemia type I.
D) Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase is an enzyme involved in the Krebs cycle, not tyrosine catabolism, so it is not the deficient enzyme in Tyrosinemia type I.
**Clinical Pearl:**
Understanding the role of fumarylacetoacetase enzyme in tyrosine catabolism is crucial for diagnosing and treating patients with Tyrosinemia type I, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe complications.
**Correct Answer:** D) Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase