Which neurotransmitters are derived from tyrosine?

The correct response identifies the neurotransmitters that are derived from the amino acid tyrosine, specifically epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Tyrosine serves as a precursor in the biosynthetic pathway for catecholamines, which include dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline). The synthesis begins with the hydroxylation of tyrosine to form L-DOPA, which is then decarboxylated to produce dopamine. Dopamine can be further processed through enzymatic reactions to generate norepinephrine and subsequently epinephrine, with the addition of a methyl group. This pathway is crucial for many physiological functions, including mood regulation and the stress response.

The other options include neurotransmitters that do not derive from tyrosine. For example, serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan, and melatonin also follows a pathway from serotonin, not from tyrosine. Histamine is derived from histidine, while GABA is a product of glutamate metabolism. Glutamate, aspartate, and glycine are classified as amino acids that serve as neurotransmitters but do not stem from tyrosine. Therefore, the correct selection highlights the relationship of