Question

In public urinals, the urine on standing gives a pungent smell due to

• A. Conversion of both urea and uric acid into ammonia
• B. Conversion of uric acid into ammonia by ornithine cycle
• C. Conversion of urea into ammonia by bacteria
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C Conversion of urea into ammonia by bacteria

Fresh urine is sterile and has no smell. As soon as urine is exposed to air, bacteria breaks the salts in the urine, especially urea, which is converted to converted to ammonia. The pungent smell is because of the ammonia. If the fresh urine already smells unpleasant, then it may be a sign of some urinary tract infection.

So, the correct answer is 'Conversion of urea into ammonia by bacteria'.