Phenylalanine and derivatives

Phenylalanine (Phe) is a naturally occurring amino acid and one of the essential amino acids, which means that the human body cannot synthesize it by itself and must be ingested through food. The chemical formula of phenylalanine is C₆H₅CH₂CH(NH₂)COOH, and its structure consists of a benzene ring (C₆H₅) and an alanine (-CH₂CH(NH₂)COOH). Phenylalanine not only participates in protein synthesis in the body as a basic amino acid, but can also be converted into other important molecules through some metabolic pathways. Common phenylalanine derivatives include tyrosine, dopa, phenylpyruvic acid, glycoside derivatives of phenylalanine, and artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame). For normal people, phenylalanine is an essential component of the diet, but for patients with phenylketonuria, they need to avoid consuming too much phenylalanine. In summary, phenylalanine is not only a basic amino acid for protein synthesis, but is also converted into derivatives that play an important role in the nervous system and endocrine system through a variety of metabolic pathways. Due to its importance, it is also widely used in medicine and the food industry.