The defect in Canavan disease that causes the symptoms is
A) deficiency of an enzyme that enables T cells to stimulate B cells, providing immunity.
B) the stripping of the lipid layer from brain neurons.
C) proliferation of oligodendrocytes in the brain, causing a glioma tumor.
D) deficiency of an enzyme that is part of the urea cycle.
E) excess of a clotting factor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The defect in Canavan disease is the lack of an enzyme called aspartoacylase, which normally breaks down a substance called N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA) in the brain. The build-up of NAA results in the stripping of the lipid layer from brain neurons, leading to the symptoms of Canavan disease.

The Defect in Canavan Disease That Causes the Symptoms Is