Asked by Olivia Hense on Jul 15, 2024

verifed

Verified

What is one disadvantage of excreting urea as opposed to uric acid?

A) Urea is more toxic than uric acid.
B) Urea is less toxic than uric acid.
C) Urea is excreted by respiratory structures.
D) Urea requires more water for excretion.
E) Urea is produced from ammonia, not nucleic acids.

Uric Acid

A waste product formed from the breakdown of purines in the body, excreted in urine.

Disadvantage

A condition or situation that causes a reduction in effectiveness, efficiency, or desirability.

Urea

(urea) The principal nitrogenous excretory product of mammals; one of the water-soluble end products of protein metabolism.

  • Differentiate between the excretory products (ammonia, urea, uric acid) and their implications for different animal groups.
verifed

Verified Answer

EJ
edwin jimenezJul 15, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Urea requires more water for its excretion compared to uric acid, which is a significant disadvantage for organisms living in arid environments or those with limited access to water. Uric acid is less soluble in water and is excreted as a paste or solid, conserving water, whereas urea is dissolved in water, necessitating the use of more water to excrete it.