Science glossary film: Urea

An organic compound containing nitrogen that plays an important role in animal metabolism, and is excreted in the urine of mammals. It is widely used as a fertilizer in agriculture. Urea contains two amine groups joined by a carbonyl group. Though urea itself is a white, odorless solid, in the presence of water it tends to release ammonia, which has a distinctive and strong smell.

It is widely used as a fertilizer in agriculture. Urea contains two amine groups joined by a carbonyl group. Though urea itself is a white, odorless solid, in the presence of water it tends to release ammonia, which has a distinctive and strong smell.