The nitrogenous waste ammonia is typically converted to which less toxic substance?

Ammonia is a nitrogenous waste product that is highly toxic to the body. In order to safely eliminate this waste, it is converted into urea through the urea cycle, primarily in the liver. Urea is significantly less toxic than ammonia, making it a safer compound for the body to transport and eliminate via the urine. This conversion process helps maintain the body’s nitrogen balance and prevents the accumulation of harmful substances.

Urea is then excreted by the kidneys, along with excess water and other solutes. This conversion is crucial for organisms that do not have an abundance of water available, as it allows for the excretion of nitrogenous waste with minimal water loss. Thus, the transformation of ammonia into urea is an essential metabolic process for detoxifying ammonia and maintaining homeostasis in the body.