Osmoregulation: Excretion Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is osmoregulation?
The process by which cells control osmotic concentration
What must be eliminated due to the metabolism of nitrogenous compounds?
End products of nitrogenous compounds must be eliminated
How is the elimination of waste products related to water?
It is closely tied to maintaining osmolarity
What is the problem with nitrogen waste?
Ammonia (NH3) is very toxic and can disrupt cell functions
What effects can ammonia have on the body?
- Can change ICF pH
- Can disrupt cell membrane functions
- Can penetrate the CNS and cause swelling
Why must ammonia be excreted?
Accumulation would eventually result in death
What is the solubility of ammonia?
Ammonia is very soluble, requiring large quantities of water for excretion
What strategies have animals evolved regarding nitrogenous waste?
Strategies depend on water availability
What are the three main types of nitrogenous wastes?
- Ammonia
- Urea
- Uric acid
What type of nitrogenous waste is produced by aquatic invertebrates and teleosts?
Ammonia
What type of nitrogenous waste is produced by mammals and some fish?
Urea
What type of nitrogenous waste is produced by reptiles and birds?
Uric acid
What is the characteristic of ammonotelic animals?
They excrete ammonia, which is very toxic and requires a lot of water
What are ureotelic animals known for?
They excrete urea, which is less toxic and requires less water
What is a characteristic of uricotelic animals?
They excrete uric acid, which is non-toxic and requires very little water
Fill in the blank: Osmoregulators have body fluids that are ______ to their environment.
hyper- or hypo-osmotic
Fill in the blank: Osmoconformers have body fluids that are ______ to their environment.
isosmotic
What are osmoregulatory organs in animals?
- Gills
- Skin
- Gut
- Salt glands
- Kidneys
What are the two types of kidneys in invertebrates?
- Protonephridia
- Metanephridia
What is the function of Malpighian tubules?
They are used for excretion in certain invertebrates like grasshoppers
What adaptations do marine teleosts have for osmoregulation?
They drink seawater and excrete excess salts and nitrogenous wastes by the gills
How do freshwater fishes and amphibians regulate water?
They excrete excess water that enters by osmosis
What is the process of kidney function in mammals?
Regulates water and inorganic solute levels, removes nitrogenous wastes
What is the renal cortex?
The outer region of the kidney
