Explain the urea cycle, Science

Assignment Help:

Explain the Urea Cycle ?

From our discussion above, it is clear that the amino group of all amino acids is ultimately converted to ammonia (NH3). Ammonia is highly toxic to the nervous system. Hence, it must be removed. How is this done? Basically, ammonia combines with C02 to form urea, which is not toxic to the body. Hence, one of the major end products of protein metabolism is urea.

Urea is the major disposal form of amino groups derived from amino acids and accounts for 90% of the nitrogen containing compounds of urine. One of the nitrogen of the urea molecule is supplied by free NH, and the other one by aspartate. Glutamate is the immediate precursor of both ammonia and aspartate nitrogen. The carbon and oxygen of urea are derived from C02. Urea is produced by the liver and is then transported in the blood to the kidneys for excretion in the urine. The steps involved in converting ammonia to urea include

1894_ammonia.png

Most of our nitrogenous waste comes from the breakdown of amino acids. This occurs by deamination. Deamination of amino acids results in the production of ammonia (NH3) as we learnt above. Ammonia is an extremely toxic base and its accumulation in the body would quickly be fatal. However, liver contains a system of carrier molecules and enzymes which quickly converts the ammonia (and carbon dioxide) into urea. This is called the 'urea cycle'. This entire sequence of urea cycle is discussed below, along with the enzymes involved in the synthesis of urea.

 


Related Discussions:- Explain the urea cycle

Experiment of lifting the water surface, Lifting the water surface Ben...

Lifting the water surface Bend the pointed end of a pin or use a piece of fine wire to make a hook. File the point of the hook unless it is very sharp. Put your eye on a level

DTA., Identification of curves

Identification of curves

Feudal society, The Feudal Society: The economic basis of  the feudal sy...

The Feudal Society: The economic basis of  the feudal system was land, and the village was its economic unit. The feudal economy was dependent on local agricultural production

Science, factors which decide the broad area of scientic activity

factors which decide the broad area of scientic activity

Measuring atmospheric pressure with a bicycle pump, Measuring atmospheric p...

Measuring atmospheric pressure with a bicycle pump A bicycle pump with the washer reversed as represents can be used to calculate atmospheric pres- sure. The piston can be made

Advantages of water in chemical weathering, Advantages of water in chemical...

Advantages of water in chemical weathering Water is an essential factor of chemical weathering  and when it contains dissolved salts and acids it is all the more effective. It

Food security, discuss determinants of food security

discuss determinants of food security

The need for reporting accidents, The Need for Reporting Accidents : All a...

The Need for Reporting Accidents : All accidents (no matter how trivial) and, dangerous near misses should be recorded. The recording of accidents ensures that all injuries are tr

Explain the renal function tests, Explain the Renal Function Tests Rena...

Explain the Renal Function Tests Renal function tests are the common tests and procedures used to evaluate renal function and for this, the analysis of blood and urine samples

Cells, comparing a cell to a hospital

comparing a cell to a hospital

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd