Ask A Scientist Molecular Biology Archive

name        Katie L.
status       student
age          14

Question -   Why can't albinos produce melanin from the amino acid
tyrosine?
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There are different forms of albinism in humans.  One of the most common
reasons is because of the malfunction of color producing cells of the skin
called melanocytes.  In this case, the gene for the enzyme Tyrosinase is
mutated and produces a non-functional enzyme so tyrosine cannot be used to
help produce melanin.


pf   
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Because they don't have the ability to make the enzyme tyrosinase.  This enzyme converts 
tyrosine to another compound that is part of the pathway on the way to making melanin.
 
vanhoeck
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