# Describe what is meant by excretion and explain why excretion is necessary for living organisms.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 1.1 Characteristics of living organisms · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Excretion is the removal of waste products of metabolism (from the body)
2. Excretion also involves removal of substances in excess of requirements
3. Metabolic waste / toxic substances must be removed to prevent harm to the organism / cells
4. Named example of a metabolic waste product that must be excreted, e.g. carbon dioxide from respiration

## Key terms

- [excretion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/excretion)

## Related

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-what-is-meant-by-excretion-64abd5df) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.