Why Does Phenylalanine Accumulate in Patients with Phenylketonuria

question 6

Multiple Choice

Why does phenylalanine accumulate in patients with phenylketonuria?

• A)They lack an enzyme to break down phenylalanine
• B)They lack an enzyme to produce phenylalanine
• C)They produce too much phenylalanine
• D)They lack an inhibitor of an enzyme to break down phenylalanine
• E)They eat more phenylalanine than most other people

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Definitions:

Polar Solvent

A solvent with a dielectric constant greater than 15, which can dissolve ionic or polar solutes due to its polarity.

Ethylene Glycol

A toxic, colorless liquid with the formula C2H6O2, used primarily as an antifreeze in cooling and heating systems.

Polar Molecules

Molecules with a distribution of charge leading to one part being slightly positive and another part being slightly negative.

Aqueous Solution

A solution in which water is the solvent.