The image below shows the structure of the nitrogenous waste product uric acid.
Many terrestrial reptiles and birds excrete nitrogenous waste as uric acid rather than urea or ammonia. Uric acid is synthesized from ammonia in the liver.
The following statements relate to uric acid:
- Ammonia is more toxic than uric acid
- Urea is more soluble in water than uric acid
- Uric acid has a high proportion of nitrogen
Which of the statements correctly explains why these animals excrete uric acid?
1, 2 and 3
Only 1 and 2
Only 2 and 3
Only 1