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Catecholamine synthesis and tyrosine catabolism are crucial biochemical pathways involving essential amino acids, cofactors, and enzymes. Understanding these pathways is key to mastering metabolic disorders and neurophysiology-related concepts in the USMLE Step 1 exam.
Key Steps in Catecholamine Synthesis
Key Molecules and Enzymes:
Step | Substrate | Enzyme | Cofactor | Product |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Hydroxylation of phenylalanine | Phenylalanine | Phenylalanine hydroxylase | BH4 | Tyrosine |
2. Hydroxylation of tyrosine | Tyrosine | Tyrosine hydroxylase | BH4 | L-DOPA |
3. Decarboxylation of L-DOPA | L-DOPA | DOPA decarboxylase | B6 | Dopamine |
4. Hydroxylation of dopamine | Dopamine | Dopamine β-hydroxylase | Vitamin C | Norepinephrine |
5. Methylation of norepinephrine | Norepinephrine | Phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT) | SAM | Epinephrine |
Catecholamine | Enzyme | Intermediate | End Product |
---|---|---|---|
Dopamine | MAO + COMT | Homovanillic acid | Homovanillic acid |
Norepinephrine | MAO + COMT | Normetanephrine | Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) |
Epinephrine | MAO + COMT | Metanephrine | Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) |