Ammonia Assay Kit - Modified Berthelot - (Colorimetric)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Ammonia a small molecule with a molecular mass of about 17 daltons is an important player in nitrogen metabolism. It exists primarily as ammonium (NH4+) in physiological pH environments. Ammonia is found predominantly in liver cells where it is produced through amino acid deamination and is further involved in urea production. Ammonia detection can be performed using various tools such as the ammonia detection kit ammonia test kit and the ammonia measurement reader which are essential for researchers to analyze and quantify its presence.

Biological function summary

Ammonia participates in the nitrogen cycle being a substrate for urea synthesis in the liver a vital part of nitrogen waste removal. It combines with carbon dioxide to form carbamoyl phosphate which enters the urea cycle a complex enzymatic system within mitochondria and cytosol. Ammonia's role is not isolated; it interacts with enzymes such as glutamine synthetase. The ammonium assay and ammonia assay provide insights into ammonia’s role and concentration helping elucidate its biological functions and impact.

Pathways

Ammonia is important in the urea cycle and gluconeogenesis. In the urea cycle it is converted to urea preventing toxic accumulation. Gluconeogenesis involves ammonia as it aids in converting pyruvate to glucose a fundamental process for energy maintenance. Related proteins in these pathways include carbamoyl phosphate synthetase in the urea cycle and pyruvate carboxylase in gluconeogenesis. A colorimetric assay might be used to evaluate ammonia's integration in these pathways.

Associated diseases and disorders

Ammonia plays a significant role in hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia both linked with improper ammonia metabolism. Excess ammonia in the blood due to liver dysfunction can lead to hepatic encephalopathy affecting brain function. Glutamine synthetase activity correlates to ammonia levels impacting the severity of these conditions. Ammonia assay kits are fundamental tools in assessing the association of ammonia with these disorders facilitating better understanding and management of the conditions.