An essential amino acid is one that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.
Thus, the correct answer is Option C: Valine.
A dipeptide, “x”, on complete hydrolysis gives “y” and “z”; “y” on treatment with aqueous HNO$_2$, produces lactic acid. On the other hand, “z” on heating gives the following cyclic molecule.
Based on the information given, the dipeptide X is: