Note: It is the main product of the regressive metamorphosis
(katabolism) of proteid matter in the body, and is
excreted daily to the amount of about 500 grains by a
man of average weight. Chemically it is carbamide,
{CO(NH2)2}, and when heated with strong acids or
alkalies is decomposed into carbonic acid and ammonia.
It unites with acids to form salts, as nitrate of urea,
and it can be made synthetically from ammonium cyanate,
with which it is isomeric.
{Urea ferment}, a soluble ferment formed by certain bacteria,
which, however, yield the ferment from the body of their
cells only after they have been killed by alcohol. It
causes urea to take up water and decompose into carbonic
acid and ammonia. Many different bacteria possess this
property, especially {Bacterium ure[ae]} and {Micrococcus
ure[ae]}, which are found abundantly in urines undergoing
alkaline fermentation.