Overview
Nitrogenous wastes are essential byproducts of protein metabolism that need to be excreted to maintain homeostasis in organisms. The three primary types of nitrogenous wastes—ammonia, urea, and uric acid—vary in their toxicity and water solubility, influencing how different species manage waste. Aqu...
Key Terms
Example: Ammonia, urea, and uric acid are all nitrogenous wastes.
Example: Fish excrete ammonia directly into the water.
Example: Humans excrete urea in urine.
Example: Birds excrete uric acid to save water.
Example: Excretion is essential for maintaining homeostasis.
Example: Ammonia has high toxicity compared to urea.
Related Topics
Protein Metabolism
Study of how proteins are broken down and utilized in the body, including nitrogenous waste production.
intermediateHomeostasis
Understanding how organisms maintain stable internal conditions, including waste management.
intermediateAnimal Physiology
Exploration of how different animal systems function, including excretory systems.
advancedKey Concepts
AmmoniaUreaUric AcidExcretion