Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 6: Problem 23

Which hemoglobin component is recovered for reuse following red blood cell destruction? a. heme c. iron b. globin d. Both b and c are correct.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Option d. Both b (globin) and c (iron) are correct.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding hemoglobin and red blood cell destruction.

Hemoglobin is a protein complex found in red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and exchanging it for carbon dioxide. Hemoglobin consists of four subunits, each containing a heme group and a globin chain. The heme group consists of a porphyrin ring surrounding an iron ion, which binds oxygen. The globin chains are proteins that support the structure of the molecule. During the breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs), the various components of hemoglobin are separated and processed differently.
02

Analyzing the fate of heme during RBC destruction

When red blood cells are destroyed, heme is released from the hemoglobin molecule. It is then broken down via complex enzymatic reactions into a substance called biliverdin, which is subsequently converted into bilirubin. Bilirubin is then transported to the liver to be metabolized and excreted as bile. Thus, heme is not reused in the body.
03

Analyzing the fate of globin during RBC destruction

Globin is also released from the hemoglobin molecule during red blood cell destruction. Globin chains are then broken down into their constituent amino acids, which can be reused by the body to generate new proteins, including new globin chains for hemoglobin synthesis.
04

Analyzing the fate of iron during RBC destruction

Iron ions are released from the heme group during red blood cell destruction. Instead of being excreted, the iron is conserved and reused by the body. It is either stored in specialized proteins, such as ferritin or hemosiderin, or transported by transferrin to be used for the synthesis of new heme groups and other iron-dependent processes.
05

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of heme, globin, and iron during red blood cell destruction, we can conclude that globin and iron are both recovered for reuse in the body. Therefore, the correct answer is option d. Both b (globin) and c (iron) are correct.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

For cach type of \(A B O\) blood, give the antigen(s) and antibody(ies) present. List which blood type each can receive and to which type each can be given. (pages \(126-27\) )

When the oxygen capacity of the blood is reduced, a. the liver produces more bile. b. the kidneys release erythropoietin. c. the bone marrow produces more red blood cells. d. sickle-cell disease occurs. e. Both b and c are correct.

Explain what occurs in hemolytic disease of the newborn. (pages \(127-29\) )

Match each description with a component of blood in the key. Answers can be used more than once. a. red blood cells b. white blood cells c. red and white blood cells and platelets d. plasma Transport oxygen

Match each description with a component of blood in the key. Answers can be used more than once. a. red blood cells b. white blood cells c. red and white blood cells and platelets d. plasma Contains plasma proteins
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Biological Molecules

Read Explanation

Substance Exchange

Read Explanation

Genetic Information

Read Explanation

Biological Processes

Read Explanation

Responding to Change

Read Explanation

Cellular Energetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free