What happens to the ammonium ions (NH4+) generated during nitrogenous base metabolism? They are processed in the liver by the body's nitrogenase enzyme system. They are processed in the muscles by the body's autophagy system. They are used in the muscles as part of the β-oxidation pathway. They are used in the liver as part of amino acid synthesis or the urea cycle.
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Nitrogenous waste in the form of ammonia is a byproduct generated during amino acid metabolism that will build up to toxic levels unless it is removed. In organisms including mammals – known as ureotelic organisms – ammonia is converted to urea for safe storage and excretion. As far as carbon usage is concerned, urea is an efficient means by which to remove excess nitrogen, since two nitrogen atoms can be removed using only a single carbon. (a) In ureotelic organisms, which organ produces the most urea and which organ collects and excretes it? How many reversible and irreversible reactions are in the urea cycle? (b) In which cellular compartment do each of the reactions of the urea cycle take place, and which metabolites are transported between cellular compartments? (c) One molecule of urea contains two nitrogen groups. How do each of these nitrogen groups enter the urea cycle? What are the precursors, intermediates and products of each of these nitrogen-acquiring reactions?
Adi S.
Explain how nitrogen that accrues in the degradation of amino acids in muscle tissue is transported to the liver
Sri K.
Discussion of how peripheral tissues remove unwanted ammonia or amino nitrogen in terrestrial animals tends to focus on glutamine and alanine. a. What is the role of these two amino acids in the process? b. What happens when these two amino acids are taken up by the liver? c. How is the unwanted nitrogen finally removed from the body? Be sure to explain your answers.
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