Final answer:
The liver detoxifies nicotine by metabolizing it into cotinine and other metabolites. The toxic ammonia produced is then converted into urea through the urea cycle and excreted in urine. This is part of the liver's broader role in detoxifying the blood and managing toxins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The liver detoxifies nicotine through a series of metabolic processes. Nicotine is converted into various metabolites, predominantly cotinine. Other metabolites formed during this detoxification process include nicotine N'-oxide, nornicotine, and nicotine glucuronide.
Additionally, the ammonia produced as a result of nicotine metabolism, which is toxic, is converted into urea by the liver during the urea cycle and then excreted through urine.
This detoxification mechanism is crucial as the liver performs up to 500 different functions, including modifying and breaking down toxic substances. The liver contains a high number of peroxisomes to manage toxins, ensuring they do not damage body cells.