Where is ammonia converted to the less toxic compound known as urea?

Explore the Ontario Grade 12 University Biology (SBI4U) Course Exam. Study with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions to test your comprehension and grasp key concepts effectively. Prepare for success!

Ammonia is converted to urea primarily in the liver through a series of chemical reactions known as the urea cycle. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism and is highly toxic to cells. The liver's role in detoxifying ammonia is crucial for maintaining nitrogen balance in the body.

The urea cycle involves several steps, where ammonia combines with carbon dioxide to eventually form urea, which is far less toxic and is easily excreted by the kidneys in urine. This process is vital for removing excess nitrogen from amino acid degradation and helps to prevent the accumulation of ammonia in the bloodstream. The outcome ensures that the body can safely dispose of nitrogen without harming its tissues.

In contrast, while the kidneys play an essential role in the excretion of urea, they do not convert ammonia to urea; that process occurs in the liver. The pancreas is mainly involved in digestion and does not participate in ammonia detoxification. The intestines are involved in absorbing nutrients and waste but are not responsible for the conversion of ammonia to urea either. Thus, the liver's specific metabolic functions support the conversion of ammonia into a safer compound for elimination from the body.

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