Synonym(s)
- L-phenylalanine
- phenylalanine, L-isomer
- PHE - phenylalanine
Definition(s)
- An essential aromatic amino acid that is a precursor of melanin, dopamine, noradrenalin (norepinephrine), and thyroxine.
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Definition from: MeSH via Unified Medical Language System
at the National Library of Medicine
- An essential aromatic amino acid in humans (provided by food), Phenylalanine plays a key role in the biosynthesis of other amino acids and is important in the structure and function of many proteins and enzymes. Phenylalanine is converted to tyrosine, used in the biosynthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. The L-form of Phenylalanine is incorporated into proteins, while the D-form acts as a painkiller. Absorption of ultraviolet radiation by Phenylalanine is used to quantify protein amounts. (NCI04)
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Definition from: NCI Thesaurus via Unified Medical Language System
at the National Library of Medicine
Related discussion in the Handbook
See also Understanding Medical Terminology.