Unit 2A: Deamination and Nitrogen Waste

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on Unit 2A Human Form & Function, focusing on the deamination process, the role of the liver, and the characteristic nitrogenous wastes.

Deamination

The stripping of nitrogen from amino acids and nitrogen bases (RNA).

Amino group

The $(NH_2)$ part of an amino acid where nitrogen occurs.

Nitrogen

A substance that is toxic to the human body and must be removed through the process of deamination.

Liver

The organ where the deamination process occurs.

Ammonia

A very toxic compound produced from amino acids that reacts with $CO_2$ to form urea.

Organic compounds

Compounds produced during the deamination of amino acids (alongside ammonia) that are used for respiration.

Urea

A nitrogen waste compound with the formula $(H_2NCONH_2)$ that has moderate toxicity, is sourced from amino acids, and is produced at an amount of $21\,g/day$.

Uric acid

A nitrogen waste compound with weak toxicity, sourced from RNA, and produced at an amount of $480\,mg/day$.

Creatinine

A nitrogen waste compound sourced from muscle, produced at an amount of $1.8\,g/day$, and associated with high metabolism toxicity.

Alanine

An example of an amino acid used to illustrate the amino group in deamination.