Proteins are broken down to form ammonia, which is toxic to cells. In which organ of the body is this ammonia converted to the less toxic compound urea?

A. Liver B. Lungs C. Skin D. Kidneys

Question

Proteins are broken down to form ammonia, which is toxic to cells. In which organ of the body is this ammonia converted to the less toxic compound urea?

A. Liver B. Lungs C. Skin D. Kidneys

anonymous · Answer

Liver.

anonymous · Answer

Our liver produces urea when it metabolises (breaks down) proteins. This is done in hepatocytes (liver cells). Amino acids are first broken down into ammonia, which is highly soluble and toxic in the blood plasma, so ammonia is joined with carbon dioxide to make urea, this is less soluble and less toxic but a build up of urea is toxic in the blood. Urea is then transported in the blood to be filtered out by the kidneys...