Tyrosine

Tyrosine (symbol Tyr or Y) is one of the 20 standard amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize proteins. It is a non-essential amino acid with a polar side group. Its codons are UAC and UAU. The word "tyrosine" is from the Greek tyros, meaning cheese, as it was first discovered in 1846 by German chemist Justus von Liebig in the protein casein from cheese.

Structure

Tyrosine is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and alcohol. It is an aromatic amino acid like phenylalanine and tryptophan. It contains a phenol group, making it a polar, aromatic amino acid. It is encoded by the codons UAC and UAU in genetic code.

Function

Tyrosine is important for the structure of almost all proteins in the body. It is also a precursor to several important substances, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which are all neurotransmitters that help nerve cells communicate and influence mood. Tyrosine is also involved in the production of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for hair and skin color.

Dietary Sources

Tyrosine is found in many high-protein food products such as chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, almonds, avocados, bananas, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Deficiency and Disease

A deficiency in tyrosine can lead to conditions such as low blood pressure, low body temperature, and an underactive thyroid. In rare cases, a genetic disorder called Tyrosinemia can occur, which affects the body's ability to break down tyrosine.

See Also

• Amino acid
• Protein
• Neurotransmitter
• Tyrosinemia

Tyrosine Resources
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