Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tyrosine
noun
/ˈtaɪ.rə.siːn/
Definition
Tyrosine is an amino acid that is important for the production of several important substances in the body.
Examples
- Tyrosine is found in many protein-rich foods.
- People sometimes take tyrosine supplements to improve mental performance and alertness.
- In the body, tyrosine can be made from another amino acid called phenylalanine.
Meaning
Tyrosine is a building block of proteins and plays a key role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
Synonyms
- None directly, but related compounds include phenylalanine and dopamine.