Phenylketonuria is classified as which type of disorder?

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is classified as a genetic disorder affecting metabolism due to its underlying cause, which is a mutation in the gene responsible for producing the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. This enzyme is crucial for breaking down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many protein-containing foods. When the enzyme is deficient or absent due to the genetic mutation, phenylalanine accumulates in the body and can lead to severe complications, including intellectual disabilities and other neurological problems if not managed effectively through dietary restrictions.

The genetic nature of PKU means that it can be inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which is characteristic of genetic disorders. Parents who carry one copy of the mutated gene can pass it on to their children, leading to the condition if the child inherits two copies.

While the other options reference important health-related issues, they do not accurately describe PKU. For example, it is not a nutritional deficiency since it is not merely about a lack of a certain vitamin or mineral but rather a specific genetic mutation that leads to metabolic failure. PKU is also not an infectious disease, as it is not caused by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, nor is it classified primarily as a neurological condition despite the