Neurotransmitter Synthesis Pathways
Starting with the precursor substance tyrosine or tryptophan, identify and briefly describe each chemical step required to create each neurotransmitter dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Dopamine:
- Tyrosine Hydroxylase: Tyrosine is converted to L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, requiring tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a cofactor.
- Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: L-DOPA is then decarboxylated to dopamine.
- Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline):
- Dopamine Beta-Hydroxylase: Dopamine is hydroxylated to norepinephrine (noradrenaline) by the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, requiring ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and oxygen.
- Serotonin (5-HT):
- Tryptophan Hydroxylase: Tryptophan is first hydroxylated to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) by tryptophan hydroxylase, also requiring tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a cofactor.
- Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: 5-HTP is then decarboxylated to serotonin (5-HT)…
- Dopamine:
- Tyrosine Hydroxylase: Tyrosine is converted to L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, requiring tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a cofactor.
- Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: L-DOPA is then decarboxylated to dopamine.
- Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline):
- Dopamine Beta-Hydroxylase: Dopamine is hydroxylated to norepinephrine (noradrenaline) by the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, requiring ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and oxygen.
- Serotonin (5-HT):
- Tryptophan Hydroxylase: Tryptophan is first hydroxylated to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) by tryptophan hydroxylase, also requiring tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a cofactor.
- Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: 5-HTP is then decarboxylated to serotonin (5-HT)…
- Dopamine:
- Tyrosine Hydroxylase: Tyrosine is converted to L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, requiring tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a cofactor.
- Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: L-DOPA is then decarboxylated to dopamine.
- Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline):
- Dopamine Beta-Hydroxylase: Dopamine is hydroxylated to norepinephrine (noradrenaline) by the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, requiring ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and oxygen.
- Serotonin (5-HT):
- Tryptophan Hydroxylase: Tryptophan is first hydroxylated to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) by tryptophan hydroxylase, also requiring tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a cofactor.
- Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: 5-HTP is then decarboxylated to serotonin (5-HT)…
- Dopamine:
- Tyrosine Hydroxylase: Tyrosine is converted to L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, requiring tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a cofactor.
- Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: L-DOPA is then decarboxylated to dopamine.
- Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline):
- Dopamine Beta-Hydroxylase: Dopamine is hydroxylated to norepinephrine (noradrenaline) by the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, requiring ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and oxygen.
- Serotonin (5-HT):
- Tryptophan Hydroxylase: Tryptophan is first hydroxylated to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) by tryptophan hydroxylase, also requiring tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a cofactor.
- Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: 5-HTP is then decarboxylated to serotonin (5-HT)…Neurotransmitter Synthesis Pathways
