Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following nitrogenous wastes requires the greatest amount of water to excrete?
A
Ammonia
B
Uric acid
C
Urea
D
Creatinine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of nitrogenous waste excretion: Nitrogenous wastes are byproducts of protein metabolism and are excreted by the body in different forms, depending on the organism's physiology and environment. The main types are ammonia, urea, uric acid, and creatinine.
Learn about ammonia: Ammonia (NH₃) is highly toxic and requires a large amount of water to dilute and excrete. It is typically excreted by aquatic organisms, such as fish, because they have access to abundant water to flush it out.
Compare ammonia to urea: Urea is less toxic than ammonia and requires less water for excretion. It is synthesized in the liver through the urea cycle and excreted by mammals, allowing them to conserve water.
Compare ammonia to uric acid: Uric acid is the least toxic and is excreted as a paste or solid by organisms like birds and reptiles. This form of excretion conserves the most water.
Compare ammonia to creatinine: Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism and is excreted in urine. It does not require as much water as ammonia for excretion. Therefore, ammonia requires the greatest amount of water to excrete among the listed options.