Question

Identify an incorrect statement about phenylketonuria.

• A. It is an autosomal recessive disorder
• B. Individuals suffering from phenylketonuria lack phenylalanine hydroxylase
• C. Individuals suffering from phenylketonuria convert phenylalanine to tyrosine
• D. It is a metabolic disorder

Answer 1

The correct option is C Individuals suffering from phenylketonuria convert phenylalanine to tyrosine

Phenylketonuria is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. The homozygous recessive individuals lack an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase which converts phenylalanine to tyrosine in the liver. The absence of this enzyme leads to the accumulation of phenylalanine in the body causing skin pigmentation, mental retardation, and loss of hair. So the incorrect option is ‘c’. Individuals suffering from phenylketonuria cannot convert phenylalanine to tyrosine.