AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The liver produces and breaks down proteins as well. The byproduct of breaking down amino acid proteins is called ammonia, which can be toxic to the body in large amounts. The liver turns the toxic ammonia into a substance called urea. The liver releases this into the blood where the kidneys excrete it via the urine.

Detailed explanation-2: -This very important metabolic process is called deamination. In the hepatocytes, NH2 (the amino group) quickly changes into ammonia NH3, which is highly toxic to the body. The liver acts fast to convert ammonia into urea that then can be excreted in the urine and eliminated from the body.

Detailed explanation-3: -The liver cells convert ammonia to a much less toxic substance called urea, which is released into the blood. Urea is then transported to the kidneys and passes out of the body in urine.

Detailed explanation-4: -When you eat proteins, the body breaks them down into amino acids. Ammonia is produced from leftover amino acids, and it must be removed from the body. The liver produces several chemicals (enzymes) that change ammonia into a form called urea, which the body can remove in the urine.

Detailed explanation-5: -The liver also converts fats into an energy source for the body. This organ is the site for breakdown of protein into amino acids, as well as conversion of amino acids to glucose, fats, and proteins.