Question

Prove that mammalian urine contains urea.

Answer 1

1. Urea is a nitrogenous waste formed by breakdown of protein (deamination of amino acids).
2. During this process, amino groups are removed from the amino acids present in the proteins and converted to highly toxic ammonia. The ammonia is finally converted to area through ornithine cycle. Thus, the urea formed is passed to kidneys and excreted out of the body through urine.
3. Reabsorption of urea (proximal tubule, collecting ducts) and active secretion of urea (Henle loop) leads to a urea circulation (urea recycling) between the lumen of the nephron and renal medulla, which is an important element of the renal urine concentration.
4. About 54 g of urea is filtered per day in the glomerular capsule, of which approximately 30 g is excreted in the urine and 24 g is reabsorbed into blood (assuming GFR is 180 litres/day).
5. Urinalysis can help detect the amount of urea in urine (Urine urea nitrogen test, urease test, etc.).