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No, it is a necessary amino acid for building protein and making certain other chemicals needed by the body.

However some people that have a rare genetic disease called PKU, because they do not produce enough of a enzyme that metabolizes unused phenylalanine the chemical keeps building up in the body until it eventually reaches toxic levels (note that anything including water, sugar, oxygen necessary to life will be toxic at a high enough concentration). Sometimes it reaches high enough levels that you can actually smell it when you are near such persons!

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7y ago

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Is phenylalanine harmful when you are pregnant?

In moderation it is considered safe.


Why do you think an adult with PKU can tolerate small amounts of phenylalanine in their diet but a newborn can not?

Adults with PKU have matured enzyme systems that can better manage and process phenylalanine compared to newborns. Newborns are still developing these systems, so even small amounts of phenylalanine can accumulate to harmful levels in their bodies. Monitoring and managing phenylalanine intake is crucial for both adults and newborns with PKU.


If human genetic defect that results in the failure to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine is?

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that causes a person to be unable to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. This leads to a buildup of phenylalanine in the body, which can be harmful to the brain and nervous system if not managed properly. Individuals with PKU require a strict low-phenylalanine diet to prevent complications.


Which enzyme breaks down phenylalanine?

The enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase breaks down phenylalanine into tyrosine. This enzyme is essential for the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine in the body. Deficiency in this enzyme can lead to a build-up of phenylalanine, which can result in a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU).


How does PKU impact protein synthesis?

PKU (phenylketonuria) is a genetic disorder that affects the enzyme needed to break down the amino acid phenylalanine. Without this enzyme, phenylalanine can build up to harmful levels in the blood and impair protein synthesis. The excess phenylalanine can also lead to decreased levels of other amino acids, affecting overall protein production in the body.


What is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder of the blood in which a person lacks the enzyme that is necessary to break down the amino acid phenylalanine then breaks down to form chemicals that?

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. This enzyme is necessary to break down the amino acid phenylalanine. Without this enzyme, phenylalanine accumulates in the body and can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts that can cause intellectual disability and other complications. Treatment involves a strict low-phenylalanine diet to prevent these complications.


Does Phenylalanine have the same effect as Apartame does?

Phenylalanine is a component in aspartame.


How much phenylalanine does Dr Pepper 10 have?

It has 718mg of phenylalanine.


Is phenylalanine a compound?

Phenylalanine is a compound. Specifically it is 2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid.


What is the molecular formula for Phenylalanine?

The molecular formula for phenylalanine is C9H11NO2.


What are the DNA codons for phenylalanine?

There are two codons that code for the amino acid phenylalanine: UUU and UUC.


What codon codes for amino acids phenylalanine did scientist find?

There are two codons that code for the amino acid phenylalanine: UUU and UUC.