IGCSE Biology glossary
Deamination
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
The removal of the nitrogen-containing part of amino acids to form urea, which takes place in the liver.
What to include in an exam answer
Two scoring points: it happens in the liver, and it produces urea from excess amino acids (which cannot be stored). Students lose marks by saying it removes 'amino acids' rather than the nitrogen-containing part, or by placing it in the kidney. The kidney removes urea from the blood; the liver makes it. Urea is then excreted by the kidney in urine.
Example in context
Explaining what happens to excess protein: 'Excess amino acids are deaminated in the liver, where the nitrogen-containing part is removed to form urea, which is then excreted by the kidneys.'
Related syllabus topic
Excretion in humans