Heme, Porphyrin, and Hemoglobin

Question 1

Essential mineral to most living organisms which is the most abundant trace element and it is combined with heme to provide stable hemoglobin synthesis

Answer 1

Iron

Question 2

How many of the 3-5 grams of iron in our bodies is found in hemoglobin?

Answer 2

2-2.5

Question 3

Regulation of iron is done through

Answer 3

• Dietary sources
• Absorption
• Iron “stores”
→ Iron is recycled when RBCs are broken down

Question 4

Iron is absorbed in what state and where

Answer 4

ferrous state (Fe2+) in stomach or small intestines

Question 5

Where is 25% of iron stored in?

Answer 5

liver, spleen and bone marrow as FERRITIN (FE3+)

Question 6

T or F: Iron supplements will immediately raise hb levels

Answer 6

false, at least 6-8 weeks before changes are observed; not all iron is observed

Question 7

Functions of iron

Answer 7

• Essential element of heme and hemoglobin
• Iron is not only found in hemoglobin
→ Component of methemoglobin, myoglobin, and some enzymes
• Cellular oxidative mechanisms
• Fetal Hemoglobin
→ Babies have this instead of the hemoglobin adults have

Question 8

T or F: fetal hemoglobin has higher affinity for oxygen

Answer 8

true

Question 9

What are the storage proteins of iron?

Answer 9

Ferritin (soluble)

Hemosiderin (insoluble)

Question 10

What are the transport proteins of iron?

Answer 10

Apotransferrin

Transferrin

Question 11

Storage protein which is the protein shell surrounding an iron core

Answer 11

Ferritin

• can convert iron inside the core into ferric iron for distribution to body cells
• provides a reserve of iron for formation of hemoglobin etc.

Question 12

Partially deproteinized ferritin

Answer 12

hemosiderin