Why is the conversion of glutamine to glutamate and then to alpha-ketoglutarate important in the liver mitochondria?

• A. It synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.
• B. It releases ammonium for the urea cycle and provides alpha-ketoglutarate for energy metabolism.
• C. It inhibits the urea cycle.
• D. It directly converts glutamine into glucose.

Answer: (B)