phenylalanine

American  

[fen-l-al-uh-neen, -nin, feen-] / ˌfɛn lˈæl əˌnin, -nɪn, ˌfin- /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a crystalline, water-soluble, essential amino acid, C 6 H 5 CH 2 CH(NH2 )COOH, necessary to the nutrition of humans and most animals, obtained chiefly from egg white or skim milk. Phe; F

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phenylalanine British  

/ ˌfiːnaɪlˈæləˌniːn, ˌfɛnɪl- /

noun

1. an aromatic essential amino acid; a component of proteins

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phenylalanine Scientific  

/ fĕn′əl-ăl′ə-nēn′ /

1. An essential amino acid. Chemical formula: C ₉ H ₁₁ NO ₂ .

2. See more at amino acid

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Etymology

Origin of phenylalanine

First recorded in 1880–85; phenyl + alanine

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

phenylalanine

The relationship also remained after the researchers accounted for phenylalanine and other related factors, strengthening the possibility that tyrosine itself may have an independent connection to aging.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 6, 2026

On these lines, they conducted a series of experiments by replacing phenylalanine and valine amino acid residues at specific positions in the structure of Ado, with various other amino acids.

From Science Daily ● May 16, 2024

People with PKU cannot break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in protein foods.

From BBC ● Jan. 1, 2024

However, for individuals with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, phenylalanine can accumulate and cause health issues, so they are sometimes instructed to avoid it.

From Salon ● Jul. 14, 2023

The WHO reports show that aspartame itself is rapidly broken down in the gut into three other substances - phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2023

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