As well as its role in the urea cycle, may be involved in tissue remodeling. H2O + L-arginine = L-ornithine + urea Binds 2 manganese ions per subunit. Nitrogen metabolism; urea cycle; L-ornithine and urea from L-arginine: step 1/1. Homotrimer. Expressed at differing tadpole stages in tail, intestine, hindlimb and trunk region. Strongest in tadpole tail. First detected in neurula (stage 16/17). Highest levels in whole tadpole found around stage 47/48. In the intestine, increased levels are found during metamorphosis (stages 58-64) and in the hindlimb, expressed at low levels during metamorphosis until stage 66 when levels dramatically increase. In the tail, a constant high level of expression is found throughout metamorphosis. By thyroid hormone (T3). Belongs to the arginase family.