Definition
Synonym ornithine cycle; Is a metabolic cycle of biochemical reactions occurring in many animals that produces urea from ammonia (NH3). In mammals, the urea cycle takes place only in the liver. Eliminating the excess nitrogen in this way prevents it from accumulating in the form of ammonia, which is toxic.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York
About this entry
Cite this entry
(2008). Urea Cycle. In: Schwab, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-47648-1_6117
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-47648-1_6117
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-36847-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-47648-1
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesReference Module Biomedical and Life Sciences