Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Principles of Inheritance and Variation

Question:

Phenylketonuria is caused due to the accumulation of which substance?

Options:

Glutamic acid

Phenylpyruvic acid

Haemoglobin

Valine

Correct Answer:

Phenylpyruvic acid

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) - Phenylpyruvic acid

Phenylketonuria : This inborn error of metabolism is also inherited as the autosomal recessive trait. The affected individual lacks an enzyme that converts the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine. As a result of this phenylalanine is accumulated and converted into phenylpyruvic acid and other derivatives. Accumulation of these in brain results in mental retardation. These are also excreted through urine because of its poor absorption by kidney. One of the most widely cited examples of pleiotropy in humans is phenylketonuria (PKU). This disorder is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is necessary to convert the essential amino acid phenylalanine to tyrosine.