Question:

Which amino acid needs to be supplemented through diet in a patient with cystathionine beta synthase deficiency?

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Think about which product of the transsulfuration pathway cannot be formed when CBS is absent.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Cysteine
  • Methionine
  • Serine
  • Tryptophan
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the enzyme involved.
Cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) catalyzes the condensation of homocysteine and serine to form cystathionine, using PLP as a cofactor.

Step 2: Trace the downstream pathway.
Cystathionine is then cleaved by cystathionase into cysteine and homoserine. This step is also PLP-dependent.

Step 3: Identify the consequence of CBS deficiency.
When CBS is non-functional, homocysteine accumulates and cystathionine cannot be formed. Since cystathionine is absent, cysteine cannot be synthesized via this transsulfuration route.

Step 4: Determine dietary requirement.
Cysteine is normally a conditionally essential amino acid synthesized from methionine. In CBS deficiency, this synthetic route is blocked, making cysteine an essential amino acid that must be supplemented in the diet.

Answer: Cysteine
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