Krebs urea cycle meaning

The Krebs urea cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the liver to eliminate toxic ammonia from the body by converting it into urea.


Krebs urea cycle definitions

Word backwards sberK aeru elcyc
Part of speech The part of speech of "Krebs urea cycle" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division Krebs urea cycle Krebs ure-a cycle
Plural The plural of Krebs urea cycle is Krebs urea cycles.
Total letters 14
Vogais (3) e,u,a
Consonants (7) k,r,b,s,c,y,l

The Krebs urea cycle, also known as the ornithine cycle, is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the liver and are vital for the elimination of ammonia from the body. This cycle plays a crucial role in the conversion of ammonia into urea, a less toxic substance that can be safely excreted by the kidneys.

Overview of the Krebs Urea Cycle

The Krebs urea cycle involves a series of five reactions that take place in the mitochondria of liver cells. These reactions ultimately result in the conversion of ammonia, generated during the breakdown of proteins, into urea. The cycle starts with the condensation of ammonia with carbon dioxide to form carbamoyl phosphate, a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I.

Key Enzymes in the Cycle

One of the key enzymes in the Krebs urea cycle is ornithine transcarbamylase, which catalyzes the reaction between carbamoyl phosphate and ornithine, forming citrulline. This enzyme plays a crucial role in linking the urea cycle with the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle. Another critical enzyme in the urea cycle is arginase, which converts arginine into ornithine and urea, completing the cycle.

Regulation of the Cycle

The Krebs urea cycle is tightly regulated to ensure the proper elimination of ammonia from the body. Several factors, including the levels of amino acids and the energy status of the cell, influence the activity of the enzymes involved in the cycle. For instance, high levels of ATP inhibit the enzyme carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I, while the presence of excess amino acids can stimulate the activity of the cycle.

Ammonia and urea are two essential substances in the context of the Krebs urea cycle. Enzymes and reactions are also critical components that drive the biochemical pathways of this cycle. Understanding the intricacies of the Krebs urea cycle is essential for grasping the body's mechanisms for detoxifying ammonia and maintaining nitrogen balance.


Krebs urea cycle Examples

  1. Studying the Krebs urea cycle is essential for understanding how the body metabolizes nitrogen.
  2. Biochemistry students learn about the Krebs urea cycle as part of their curriculum.
  3. Doctors may need to consider the Krebs urea cycle when diagnosing certain metabolic disorders.
  4. Research on the Krebs urea cycle has led to advances in the treatment of certain genetic conditions.
  5. Understanding the Krebs urea cycle can help scientists develop new therapies for metabolic diseases.
  6. The Krebs urea cycle plays a crucial role in the regulation of nitrogen balance in the body.
  7. Deviations from the normal functioning of the Krebs urea cycle can lead to serious health consequences.
  8. The Krebs urea cycle is also known as the ornithine cycle, after one of the key intermediates involved.
  9. A thorough knowledge of the Krebs urea cycle is important for medical professionals working in fields like nephrology.
  10. Patients with certain metabolic disorders may require specialized diets to support the Krebs urea cycle.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 11/04/2024 - 20:04:17