Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Practice

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Study for the Optometry Admission Test. Improve your skills with targeted quizzes and review comprehensive explanations for each question. Gear up for success!

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What role does urea play during homeostasis?

It stimulates insulin release
It acts as a waste product from amino acid breakdown
It increases blood pressure
It promotes glucose storage

The correct answer is: It acts as a waste product from amino acid breakdown

Urea plays a crucial role in homeostasis primarily as a waste product resulting from the breakdown of amino acids. When proteins are metabolized, amino acids undergo deamination, leading to the removal of nitrogen. This process generates ammonia, which is toxic in high concentrations. The liver converts ammonia into urea, a much less toxic compound, through the urea cycle. Urea is then transported via the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is excreted from the body through urine. This process not only removes excess nitrogen from the body but also helps maintain the balance of electrolytes and water, contributing to overall fluid homeostasis. Thus, urea's formation and excretion are vital for regulating nitrogen levels and preventing toxicity, making it an essential component of the body's waste management system.