What enzyme is deficient when there is a Tyrosinase enzyme deficiency?

Tyrosinase is a crucial enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for the color of skin, eyes, and hair. In cases where there is a deficiency of the tyrosinase enzyme, the body is unable to effectively convert the amino acid tyrosine into melanin. This leads to a condition known as albinism, where individuals exhibit a lack of pigmentation and have a higher sensitivity to sunlight.

The role of tyrosinase is specifically tied to the enzymatic conversion of tyrosine to DOPA (dihydroxyphenylalanine) and subsequently to dopaquinone, which are essential steps in melanin production. When tyrosinase is absent or deficient, these processes are disrupted, resulting in decreased melanin synthesis and the associated phenotypic manifestations of albinism.

The other enzymes listed do not play a role in melanin synthesis. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase is involved in the decarboxylation of aromatic amino acids, branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase is critical in the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids, and fatty acid amide hydrolase is involved in the breakdown of fatty