Step 1: Definition:
An amino acid is essential if the body has no pathway to make it.
Step 2: Check the options:
Phenylalanine: no pathway, essential. Tyrosine: made by hydroxylation of phenylalanine. Glutamine and alanine: made in the body from glutamate and pyruvate respectively.
Step 3: Result:
Only phenylalanine is essential.
Final Answer:
Phenylalanine is essential, option (A).
\[ \boxed{\text{Phenylalanine (A)}} \]