the liver functions

Question 1

what are the three main functions of the liver

Answer 1

break down excess amino acids
removes harmful substances
stores glycogen

Question 2

what is the first step to the liver breaking down excess amino acids

Answer 2

nitrogen-containing amine groups are removed from excess amino acids (NH2) forming ammonia and other organic acids

Question 3

what is it called when ammonia and organic acids are formed from excess amino acids

Answer 3

deamination

Question 4

what are the organic acids produced from deamination used for

Answer 4

they are respired to give ATP, or converted to a carbohydrate to be stored as glycogen

Question 5

why cant we discrete ammonia

Answer 5

it is too toxic

Question 6

how does the liver deal with the toxicity of ammonia

Answer 6

it is combined with CO2 to make urea in the ornithine cycle

Question 7

what is the final stage of the liver breaking down the excess amino acids

Answer 7

urea is released from the liver into the blood for the kidneys to filter and turn into urine

Question 8

what does the liver break alcohol down into

Answer 8

ethanal

Question 9

what does the liver break ethanal into

Answer 9

acetic acid

Question 10

what does excess alcohol in the liver lead to

Answer 10

cirrhosis of the liver whereby the cells begin to die

Question 11

what painkiller does the liver break down and why

Answer 11

paracetamol, excess of this can lead to kidney and liver failure

Question 12

why does the liver break down insulin

Answer 12

excess insulin can cause problems with blood sugar levels

Question 13

how does the liver store glycogen

Answer 13

converts excess glucose in the blood into glycogen until it is needed for energy