phenylalanine

noun

phe·​nyl·​al·​a·​nine ˌfe-nᵊl-ˈa-lə-ˌnēn How to pronounce phenylalanine (audio)
ˌfē-
: an essential amino acid C9H11NO2 that is converted in the normal body to tyrosine

Examples of phenylalanine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Certain proteins and amino acids, such as glutamine, arginine, and phenylalanine, can boost GLP-1 release. Sarah Jividen, Health, 17 July 2024 The name refers to amino acids involved in two new mutations on the virus’s spike protein: phenylalanine (F), leucine (L), arginine (R) and threonine (T). Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 5 June 2024 These variants are offshoots of Omicron and get their name from their spike protein mutations: The amino phenylalanine (abbreviated as F) replaces the amino acid leucine (abbreviated as L), while the amino acid arginine (R) is replaced by threonine (T). Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 8 May 2024 That’s because those born with PKU have inherited a gene mutation that prevents an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) from converting phenylalanine into stuff that your body can use. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phenylalanine 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phenylalanine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenylalanine was circa 1883

Dictionary Entries Near phenylalanine

Cite this Entry

“Phenylalanine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenylalanine. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

Medical Definition

phenylalanine

noun
phe·​nyl·​al·​a·​nine ˌfen-ᵊl-ˈal-ə-ˌnēn, ˌfēn- How to pronounce phenylalanine (audio)
: an essential amino acid C9H11NO2 that is obtained in its levorotatory L-form by the hydrolysis of proteins (as lactalbumin), that is essential in human nutrition, and that is converted in the normal body to tyrosine
abbreviation Phe
see phenylketonuria, phenylpyruvic acid

More from Merriam-Webster on phenylalanine

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