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Tyrosine
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Tyrosine is an amino acid used to build proteins. It can be present as part of a protein chain or as a free molecule available for metabolism. The form incorporated into proteins is L-tyrosine .1
Tyrosine is usually described as a nonessential amino acid because the body can make it from another amino acid, phenylalanine. Here, “nonessential” refers to the ability to synthesize it; it does not mean that tyrosine has no important biological role .1,2
Beyond protein synthesis, tyrosine provides starting material for other substances. It is a precursor of the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which act as chemical messengers. It also contributes to the production of thyroid hormones and the pigment melanin .2,3
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6057, L-Tyrosine. Original source
- National Library of Medicine Tyrosine. Medical Subject Headings, D014443.. Original source
- Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al. The Biogenic Amines. Neuroscience. 2nd edition. 2001. Original source
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