Maintaining Nitrogen balance in the body

What happens to proteins when digested?

They are broken down by protease enzymes into amino acids.

What happens to excess amino acids that are not needed?

They must be removed safely. The body cannot store any extra proteins or amino acids.

What is the process of deamination of amino acids?

The liver forms ammonia through deamination of amino acids.

What is important about ammonia?

It is highly toxic so the body immediately converts it into urea so it can be safely extracted.

What happens to this urea?

The liver cells release urea and water into the bloodstream so it can be transported to the kidneys.

What happens at the kidneys?

Blood is filtered and urea is excreted from the body as urine.