Question

Biochemistry question - Urine analysis

Match the sample to the correct individual

Urea concentration (mg/dL)

Sample X = 1212

Sample Y=2166

Sample Z= 1539

Individual description

Subject A: Healthy football player consuming 75 g protein/day. Urine was collected over a 24 h period. Weight of the subject is 80 kg.

Subject B: Healthy vegetarian consuming 35 g protein/day. Urine was collected over a 24 h period. Weight of subject is 65 kg.

Subject C: Obese subject undergoing a therapeutic fast. Urine was collected over a 24 h period from day 5 of the fast. Weight of subject is 90 kg.

Answer 1

Correct matching of individual and sample is given below:-

Sample X = 1212 = Subject B individual

Sample Y = 2166 = Subject C individual

Sample Z = 1539 = Subject A individual

Explanation:- Urea concentration depends on protein metabolism in our body. During protein catabolism amino acids are produced as a result of protein hydrolysis. Ammonium ions removed from these amino acids during catabolic process get accumulated in body and converted into a non-toxic compound ammonia. Since humans are ureotelic, they convert ammonia into urea in liver and excrete this nitrogenous waste in the form of urine.

From above discussion we conclude that urea concentration directly related to protein metabolism. So, Sample X is of individual Subject B, because less protein cosumption having less urea concentration. Subject A individual taking more protein than Subject B so Sample Z which has comparatively more urea concentration which is of Subject A individual.

Sample Y has abnormally high urea concentration than normal value. This sample is ofcourse of Subject C individual which is obsese subject undergoing a theraprutic fast. Although he is not taking any protein diet but due to prolonged fasting, stored proteins from muscles and from other stored places getting hydrolysed rapidly to maintain the energy requirment of body. Thus this sudden increased catabolism of amino acids showing high concentration of urea in sample.