Question

How phenylketonuria is caused? Mention its symptoms.

Answer 1

• The inborn error of metabolism is also inherited as the autosomal recessive trait.
• The affected individual lacks an enzyme that converts the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine.
• Accumulation of these in brain results in mental retardation.
• Symptoms include short stature, slow growth, body odor, loss of skin color.