DOPA

dopa /do·pa/ (do´pah) 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, produced by oxidation of tyrosine by monophenol monooxygenase; it is the precursor of dopamine and an intermediate product in the biosynthesis of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and melanin. -dopa is the naturally occurring form; see levodopa.

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do·pa (dp)

n.

Dihydroxyphenylalanine; an amino acid formed in the liver from tyrosine and converted to dopamine in the brain.

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DOPA

The common name for a natural chemical (3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) made by the body during the process of making melanin.

Mentioned in: Albinism

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dopa

(dō´p),
n an amino acid derived from tyrosine that occurs naturally in plants and animals. It is a precursor of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

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dopa

L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine. Key intermediate in two pathways; the production of melanins from tyrosine catalyzed by the copper-containing enzyme, tyrosinase, to produce dopa, or the biosynthesis of catecholamines catalyzed by the action of tyrosine. It is used in manganese poisoning. Called also L-dopa and levodopa.