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== D-DOPA ==

'''D-DOPA''' (pronounced dee-doh-puh) is a chemical compound that is often used in scientific research. It is an isomer of [[L-DOPA]], which is a precursor to several important neurotransmitters.

=== Etymology ===

The term "D-DOPA" is derived from the full chemical name, which is ''Dihydroxyphenylalanine''. The "D" refers to the Dextrorotatory isomer of the compound, which means it rotates plane-polarized light to the right. The "DOPA" part of the name is an acronym for ''Dihydroxyphenylalanine''.

=== Usage ===

D-DOPA is used in scientific research, particularly in studies related to [[neuroscience]] and [[pharmacology]]. It is less commonly used in medical treatments than its isomer, L-DOPA, which is used in the treatment of [[Parkinson's disease]].

=== Related Terms ===

* [[L-DOPA]]: The Levorotatory isomer of D-DOPA, which is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
* [[Dopamine]]: A neurotransmitter that is synthesized from D-DOPA in the brain.
* [[Neurotransmitter]]: A type of chemical messenger which transmits signals across a chemical synapse.
* [[Parkinson's disease]]: A long-term degenerative disorder of the nervous system that mainly affects the motor system.

=== See Also ===

* [[Levodopa]]
* [[Dopamine]]
* [[Neurotransmitter]]
* [[Parkinson's disease]]

[[Category:Chemical Compounds]]
[[Category:Neuroscience]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]

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