We take in nitrogen when we eat protein. After digestion, some of that nitrogen ends up as ammonium ions. Ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) are extremely toxic, so our bodies work hard to get rid of them. Here is a simplified version of the detoxification reactions that happen inside our cells:

The reactions have not been balanced. As usual in biological systems, water is ubiquitous and can be a reactant or a product in any reaction, but is not explicitly shown. Balance each chemical reaction. Use a generation consumption analysis to figure out the overall reaction to convert ammonium ions to less toxic materials. What is the product(s)? Is there net consumption or generation of water?

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HCO, + NH + C;H¿O,N, (ornithine) →CH,O,N; (citrulline) Citrulline + C,H,0,N (aspartic acid) →C,„H1,O,N4 (arginosuccinate) 1018 Arginosuccinate →C,H,O, (fumarate) + C,H,,O,N, (arginine) Arginine →CH,ON, (urea) + C¿H,„O,N, (ornithine) HCO, + NH + C;H¿O,N, (ornithine) →CH,O,N; (citrulline) Citrulline + C,H,0,N (aspartic acid) →C,„H1,O,N4 (arginosuccinate) 1018 Arginosuccinate →C,H,O, (fumarate) + C,H,,O,N, (arginine) Arginine →CH,ON, (urea) + C¿H,„O,N, (ornithine)

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Step 1 of 2 A Write balanced chemical equations for all K reactions as shown The detoxification ... View the full answer