Is it true that cells that excrete waste are found only in the excretory system?

Is it true that cells that excrete waste are found only in the excretory system?

• A. No, all cells excrete
• B. Yes, only excretory system cells excrete
• C. Only liver cells excrete waste
• D. Excretion happens only in advanced organisms

Answer: (A)

Waste is produced by all living cells as they carry out their metabolic processes. Because of this, excretion isn’t limited to a special group of cells in one organ system—the production and initial release of waste happens in cells throughout the body. For example, carbon dioxide is a waste from cellular respiration and moves from cells into the blood to be expelled from the body by the lungs. Other wastes, like nitrogenous products, are handled by organs such as the liver and kidneys, which filter them from the blood and eliminate them from the body. The skin also contributes by releasing water and salts through sweat. So while the excretory system is responsible for removing these wastes from the body, the fact remains that all cells produce and can release waste.

Waste is produced by all living cells as they carry out their metabolic processes. Because of this, excretion isn’t limited to a special group of cells in one organ system—the production and initial release of waste happens in cells throughout the body. For example, carbon dioxide is a waste from cellular respiration and moves from cells into the blood to be expelled from the body by the lungs. Other wastes, like nitrogenous products, are handled by organs such as the liver and kidneys, which filter them from the blood and eliminate them from the body. The skin also contributes by releasing water and salts through sweat. So while the excretory system is responsible for removing these wastes from the body, the fact remains that all cells produce and can release waste.