Date | May 2017 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 17M.3.SL.TZ1.21 |
Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
Command term | Discuss | Question number | 21 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Discuss the causes and treatments of phenylketonuria.
Markscheme
Causes:
a. phenylketonuria is an inherited / genetic condition / caused by a mutation
b. enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase/PAH not present/deficient
c. phenylalanine is an essential amino acid
d. inability to convert phenylalanine into tyrosine / phenylalanine builds up in the body
Treatment:
e. requires diet rich in tyrosine «supplements»
f. low in phenylalanine
g. monitor blood phenylalanine levels
h. monitor growth rates / intellectual development
Examiners report
[N/A]