Question

Deamination occurs in

• A. kidney
• B. liver
• C. nephron
• D. both (a) and (b)

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Deamination is the removal of an amino group $(-N{H}_2)$ from a compound. Enzymatic deamination occurs in the liver and is important in amino acid metabolism, especially in their degradation and subsequent oxidation. In the liver, the amino acids coming from the alimentary canal are sorted out. Those necessary for protein synthesis are distributed to the tissues. The excess or unnecessary amino acids are broken down, their amino radical separating as ammonia, and carbon chain changing into a keto acid. Ammonia is toxic and needs removal, while keto acid takes part in metabolism.