Question

An example of aromatic amino acid is
A. Tyrosine
B. Phenylalanine
C. Tryptophan
D. All of these

Answer 1

Hint: Amino acid is defined as a group of organic molecules that consist of a basic amino group, an acidic carboxyl group, and a unique organic side chain. They are also referred to as the building blocks of proteins.

Complete Answer:
Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. It is a group of organic molecules that consist of a basic amino group, an acidic carboxyl group, and a unique organic side chain. Amino acids are the basic units of protein and are made up of C, H, O, N, and sometimes S.

These have one carboxyl group and one amine group on the alpha carbon. Amino acids are amphoteric or bipolar ions or zwitterions. The aromatic amino acids are the ones that have an aromatic group and benzene ring on their side chain. An example is phenylalanine and tyrosine and tryptophan.

Tyrosine is produced in the body from another amino acid called phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid meaning that it cannot be made in the body and must be ingested in the diet. It has a benzyl group substituted for the methyl group of alanine or a phenyl group in place of the terminal hydrogen of alanine. Tryptophan is a nonpolar aromatic amino acid.

Thus, the correct option is D) All of these.

Note: It should be noted that tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan are the three aromatic amino acids (AAA) that are involved in protein synthesis. Their functions are as follows,
1. Phenylalanine - It helps in maintenance of a healthy nervous system and also helps in boosting memory power.
2. Tryptophan - It is involved in production of the hormone serotonin which has a role in regulating sleep, mood, etc.
3. Tyrosine has a role in production of thyroid hormones.