Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

42. Osmoregulation and Excretion

Osmoregulation and Excretion

General Biology

42. Osmoregulation and Excretion

Osmoregulation and Excretion

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Multiple Choice

The most effective molecule for nitrogenous waste disposal in desert animals would be __________.

ammonia because it uses less energy to make than uric acid or urea

urea because it is less toxic than uric acid

uric acid because it takes less energy to make than urea

ammonia because it is the most soluble of all the nitrogen-containing metabolic waste products

uric acid because it requires very little water for excretion

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: Desert animals need to conserve water due to their arid environment. Therefore, the form of nitrogenous waste they excrete should minimize water loss.

Review the properties of the nitrogenous waste products: Ammonia is highly toxic and requires a lot of water to be excreted, making it unsuitable for desert animals. Urea is less toxic and requires less water than ammonia but more than uric acid. Uric acid is the least toxic and requires the least amount of water for excretion.

Consider energy expenditure: While ammonia is the least energy-intensive to produce, its high water requirement makes it impractical for desert animals. Urea requires more energy to produce than ammonia but less than uric acid. Uric acid, although the most energy-intensive to produce, is advantageous in water conservation.

Evaluate the trade-offs: Desert animals prioritize water conservation over energy expenditure due to their environment. Therefore, the ability to excrete waste with minimal water loss is more critical than the energy cost of producing the waste.

Conclude with the best option: Given the need to conserve water, uric acid is the most effective molecule for nitrogenous waste disposal in desert animals because it requires very little water for excretion, despite its higher energy cost.