Final answer:
Uric acid is a waste product of nucleic acid catabolism that is excreted in urine. Excessive levels of uric acid can cause conditions like gout. Certain food choices can increase the risk of gout.
Step-by-step explanation:
Uric acid is a waste product of nucleic acid catabolism and is mainly filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. It is formed when nucleic acids are broken down and converted to purines. Mammals, birds, reptiles, and most terrestrial arthropods convert toxic ammonia to uric acid as a way of excreting nitrogenous waste.
Excessive levels of uric acid in the blood can lead to conditions like gout, where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Certain food choices, such as those high in purine-like compounds, can increase the risk of gout and should be avoided by individuals with gout or kidney stones.