Chapter 15, Problem 25RQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The number of ATP molecules (adenosine triphosphate) generated when NADH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is oxidized in the mitochondria, and the net ATP requirement for urea synthesis.

Introduction:

In the mitochondria, all the ammonia molecules come together with the respiration byproduct carbon dioxide to form carbamoyl phosphate, which enters the urea cycle. The urea cycle requires energy in the form of ATP, and hence, is energetically expensive, but it occurs anyway in the body because it is necessary to eliminate toxic products from the body.