Ammonia assimilation is the process by which organisms incorporate ammonia, a nitrogen compound, into organic molecules. This is crucial for synthesizing amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Many plants and microorganisms can directly use ammonia from the soil or their environment, converting it into forms that can be utilized for growth and development. In higher organisms, such as animals, ammonia is often converted into urea through the urea cycle before being excreted. This conversion helps to detoxify ammonia, which can be harmful in high concentrations. Overall, ammonia assimilation plays a vital role in the nitrogen cycle and supports life by providing essential nutrients.