Definition

1. Noun:
   • An amino acid found in most proteins; a precursor of several hormones: Tyrosine is one of the twenty standard amino acids used by cells to synthesize proteins. It is not considered an essential amino acid because the body can produce it from another amino acid, phenylalanine. Tyrosine serves as a building block for proteins and is also a starting material for the synthesis of important neurotransmitters and hormones.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tyrosine is incorporated into many enzymes and structural proteins.
  • The biochemical pathway converts phenylalanine to tyrosine.
  • Supplements containing tyrosine are sometimes used to support cognitive function.

Advanced Usage

• "Tyrosine kinase": An enzyme that transfers a phosphate group from ATP to the tyrosine residues of proteins, playing a crucial role in cellular signaling.

  • Mutations in tyrosine kinase receptors can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.

• "Phosphotyrosine": Refers to tyrosine that has been phosphorylated, a key modification in signal transduction.

  • The antibody specifically detects phosphotyrosine residues.

Variants and Related Words

• L-tyrosine (n): The specific, naturally occurring form (isomer) of tyrosine used in protein biosynthesis.
  • Most dietary supplements provide L-tyrosine.

Synonyms

• 4-Hydroxyphenylalanine: A systematic chemical name for tyrosine.
• Amino acid: Tyrosine is a specific type within this broader category.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Tyrosine hydroxylase: The enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine from tyrosine.

  • Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis.

• Tyrosine residue: Refers to a single tyrosine unit within a protein chain.

  • The mutation affects a critical tyrosine residue in the protein's active site.

Noun

1. an amino acid found in most proteins; a precursor of several hormones