Deamination Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is deamination?
The process of removing excess proteins from the liver.
Where does deamination occur?
In the liver.
What happens first during deamination?
NH2 is removed from the amino acid.
What does the amino group (NH2) become during deamination?
It becomes ammonia (NH3) by enzymes in liver cells.
What is the equation showing conversion of amino acid and oxygen?
Amino acid + Oxygen -(enzymes)-> carbs + ammonia
What is ammonia converted into in the liver?
It is converted into urea.
What is the chemical equation for converting ammonia into urea?
energy + CO2 + ammonia = urea + water
How is urea removed from the body?
Through urine.
What happens to the remaining part of the amino acid after deamination?
It turns into carbs and then into energy.
Why is ammonia dangerous to the body?
Because it’s extremely soluble in water and highly toxic.
How does the liver handle ammonia?
Liver cells rapidly convert ammonia to urea.
Why is urea safer than ammonia?
Because it is less toxic and can be excreted by the kidneys.
How is urea excreted from the body besides urine?
Small amounts are lost in sweat from sweat glands.
