What substance is produced from the breakdown of amino acids?

The substance produced from the breakdown of amino acids is urea. When amino acids are metabolized, they undergo a process known as deamination, where the amino group is removed. This process typically occurs in the liver and results in the production of ammonia, which is toxic to the body. To safely eliminate this ammonia, the liver converts it into urea through the urea cycle. Urea is then transported in the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is excreted in urine.

In contrast, glucose is primarily derived from carbohydrate metabolism, while fatty acids result from the breakdown of lipids, and peptides are small chains of amino acids rather than products of their breakdown. The process of amino acid catabolism and subsequent urea formation is a critical pathway for nitrogen excretion in the body, ensuring that excess amino acids are processed effectively. This understanding is essential for topics concerning metabolism and biological waste management in the human body.