Question

The body cells in cockroach discharge their nitrogenous waste in the haemolymph mainly in the form of

• A. urea
• B. calcium carbonate
• C. ammonia
• D. potassium urate

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To solve this question, we need to understand how cockroaches excrete nitrogenous waste. In cockroaches, the excretory system is designed to conserve water and excrete waste efficiently due to their terrestrial habitat.

Cockroaches primarily excrete their nitrogenous waste in the form of potassium urate. This is because uric acid (from which potassium urate is derived) is less toxic and less soluble in water compared to other nitrogenous wastes such as ammonia or urea. As a result, it can be excreted with minimal water loss, which is beneficial for survival in dry environments.

Let's briefly discuss why the other options are incorrect:

• Urea: This is primarily excreted by mammals. It is more soluble in water compared to uric acid but requires more water to be safely excreted.
• Calcium carbonate: This is generally not a form of nitrogenous waste excretion.
• Ammonia: This is highly toxic and is typically excreted by aquatic animals that have access to large amounts of water to dilute it.

Therefore, the correct answer is that cockroaches discharge their nitrogenous waste in the haemolymph mainly in the form of potassium urate.