Question

The most abundant, harmful and universal waste product of metabolism is:

• A. ${\text{CO}}_2$
• B. Uric acid
• C. ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$
• D. ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_5\text{O}\text{H}$

Answer 1

The correct option is A ${\text{CO}}_2$

Carbon dioxide is the most abundant and universal waste product of most of the living organisms as ${\text{CO}}_2$ is the end product of respiration.

The end products of aerobic metabolism of carbohydrates are carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide remains dissolved in the blood and is carried by the veins to the lungs for oxygenation. If carbon dioxide is not removed from the metabolizing tissues, it will be toxic for that tissue and stop metabolism.

Carbon dioxide travels through the blood and is transferred to the lungs where it is exhaled. Our cells make carbon dioxide as a waste product from the process of converting food to energy. That carbon dioxide and some water vapor are removed by the lungs when we breathe and exhale them back into the atmosphere.

So, the correct option is 'Carbon dioxide'.