Serotonin Biosynthesis Neurotransmitters Module: the Beery Twins’ Story© a Project-Based Learning Activity

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Serotonin Biosynthesis Neurotransmitters Module: The Beery Twins’ Story© A Project-Based Learning Activity Sepiapterin reductase is the final enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway for tetrahydrobiopterin – a cofactor used by other enzymes in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. In the case of serotonin biosynthesis, the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase uses tetrahydrobiopterin to convert tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). In a second reaction, the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase converts 5-HTP into serotonin, the active neurotransmitter. Enzymes Neurotransmitters Cofactors Tetrahydrobiopterin Pathway Serotonin Pathway Guanosine Triphosphate (GTP) Tryptophan GTP Cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) Tryptophan Hydroxylase (TPH) with Tetrahydrobiopterin Cofactor Pyruvoyl-Tetrahydropterin Synthase (PTPS) 6-Pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase (AAAD) Sepiapterin Reductase (SPR) with Vitamin B6 Cofactor Tetrahydrobiopterin Serotonin Version 1.4 -12/2015 ...where molecules become real TM http://cbm.msoe.edu www.3dmoleculardesigns.com Serotonin Biosynthesis Model Guide Neurotransmitters Module: The Beery Twins’ Story© A Project-Based Learning Activity TPH AAAD Tryptophan 5-Hydroxytryptophan Serotonin Tryptophan (Trp or W) is one of the 20 standard 5-Hydroxytryptophan, an intermediate The nal step in the serotonin biosynthesis amino acids and is an essential amino acid that molecule in the serotonin biosynthesis pathway requires the removal of the cannot be synthesized by the human body. pathway, is formed by the addition of a carboxylic acid group (COOH) from the Tryptophan is composed of the standard amino hydroxyl (OH) group to the fth carbon of the backbone of 5-hydroxytryptophan to form acid backbone with an indole ring side chain. indole ring of tryptophan. the neurotransmitter serotonin. Version 1.4 -12/2015 Neurotransmitter (Serotonin) Model Color Key TPH Tryptophan Hydroxylase Oxygen Carbon (requires tetrahydrobiopterin as a cofactor) Hydrogen* Nitrogen ...where molecules become real TM AAAD Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase http://cbm.msoe.edu (requires vitamin B6 as a cofactor) * Hydrogens not shown in chemical drawings www.3dmoleculardesigns.com.

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