Dopamine

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems and the metabolic precursor in adrenaline and noradrenaline biosynthesis. It also occurs in bananas, where it is largely responsible for enzymatic browning when the flesh is cut and exposed to air. In food science its oxidation chemistry illustrates polyphenol oxidase activity, while in physiology it governs reward, movement and hormonal regulation, linking a single molecule to flavour science and medicine. Plant physiologists also track it as a stress-related compound in fruit ripening and senescence.