L-Tyrosine synthesis

Phenylalanine and tyrosine serve as precursors to an enormous number of plant substances, ranging from the polymeric lignin to tannins, pigments, and many of the flavor components of spices.

In fact, the role of these amino acids as precursors to such substances in cinnamon oil, wintergreen oil, bitter almond, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, vanilla bean, clove, and ginger is related to their designation as aromatic amino acids.

These are derived from coniferyl alcohol, which is also the central intermediate in lignin synthesis.

L-Tyrosine is the starting point for the synthesis of opiates such as codeine and morphine in the poppy plant.