Dihydroxyphenylalanine, commonly known as DOPA, is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. It is naturally found in the body and is synthesized from another amino acid called tyrosine. DOPA is important for various bodily functions, including mood regulation and motor control. In medicine, DOPA is often used as a treatment for Parkinson's disease, a condition characterized by low levels of dopamine. By increasing dopamine levels in the brain, DOPA can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with this neurological disorder, improving patients' quality of life.