Multiple Choice
Urea is a major nitrogenous waste product formed during the metabolism of which type of biomolecule in humans?
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Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation
Amino Acid Oxidation 1
Multiple Choice
In mammalian liver, which compound is a major byproduct of amino acid catabolism due to detoxification of released ammonia?
A
Glucose
B
Urea
C
Lactate
D
Glycogen
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that amino acid catabolism involves the removal of the amino group, which releases ammonia (NH₃), a toxic compound to cells.
Recognize that mammals have a specialized pathway called the urea cycle (or ornithine cycle) in the liver to detoxify ammonia by converting it into a less toxic compound.
Recall that the urea cycle converts ammonia and carbon dioxide into urea, which is water-soluble and can be safely transported in the blood to the kidneys for excretion.
Identify that glucose, lactate, and glycogen are not directly involved in ammonia detoxification; they serve other metabolic roles such as energy storage and glycolysis byproducts.
Conclude that urea is the major byproduct formed in the liver during amino acid catabolism to safely remove excess nitrogen from the body.
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