Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease caused by mutation of the PAH gene, which normally produces the enzyme phenylalanine
hydroxase. This enzyme is essential for the conversion of the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine. Without the enzyme, phenylalanine builds up in the blood and tissues of various body regions. It can produce severe skin discolorations and foul odor, but also intellectual disabilities and behavioral problems. Some people may experience only one type of PKU symptoms and not the others. PKU is an example of
Pleiotropy is the number of disorders where multiple, and unrelated organ systems are affected in the body of an individual. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most cited example of pleiotropy in humans.
It is an inherited disorder that is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase due to mutation in the PAH gene, This enzyme is necessary to convert the essential amino acid phenylalanine to tyrosine. By this disorder, multiple organ systems are affected such as severe skin discolorations and foul odor, and other intellectual disabilities and behavioral problems.
In medicine, metagenomics is
significant in maintaining human health
by understanding the metagenomics of the
gut microbiome. In agriculture, understanding
the microbiome in the soil is significant in improving crop production. In the generation of biofuels, metagenomics is important
in identifying microbial communities that can turn organic matter into fuels.
