Tags: Chemical Compound, Chemical Substance.
4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (4-HPPA) is an intermediate in the metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. The aromatic side chain of phenylalanine is hydroxylated by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase to form tyrosine. The conversion from tyrosine to 4-HPPA is in turn catalyzed by tyrosine aminotransferase. Additionally 4-HPPA can be converted to homogentisic acid which is one of the precursors to ochronotic pigment.It is an intermediary compound in the biosynthesis of scytonemin.
