A newborn infant is diagnosed with phenylketonuria. The neonatologist prescribes a special diet for the baby and explains to the parents the importance of maintaining this diet in order to prevent mental retardation. In this patient abnormal development of which of the following structures will most likely lead to mental retardation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dendritic spines are involved in synaptic plasticity and are crucial for learning and memory. In conditions like phenylketonuria, where there is an accumulation of phenylalanine due to a lack of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, the toxic levels of phenylalanine can lead to impaired development of dendritic spines, thereby affecting cognitive functions and potentially leading to mental retardation if the diet is not strictly controlled.

A Newborn Infant Is Diagnosed with Phenylketonuria