Water, minerals and trace elements - Iron - Function of iron in the body

8 important questions on Water, minerals and trace elements - Iron - Function of iron in the body

What are the 2 main purposes of iron in the body?

  1. Transporting oxygen
  2. Production of energy

Why is it essential that oxygen is distributed across the body? (Or: what is the purpose of oxygen in the body)

Oxygen is essential for the burning of fuels such as fats and carbohydrates

How is oxygen transported via the blood?

Bound to the protein haemoglobin in the red blood cells
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What is the core part of the heme molecule and what is this part responsible for?

Iron;
This is responsible for binding oxygen

What is the oxygen-binding protein that the muscles have called and what purpose does this protein have?

Myoglobin;
Its purpose is storing a small amount of oxygen in the muscles

Why is iron necessary for the breakdown of fuels and the subsequent production of energy in the mitochondria?

Because the breakdown of fuels happens with the help of several enzymes that need iron for their functioning

In what 2 ways can the enzymes used in the breakdown of fuels and the subsequent production of energy contain iron in their chemical structure?

The enzymes can contain a
  • Heme group
  • Iron-sulfur cluster

So, next to the delivery of oxygen to the tissues via red blood cells, why is iron necessary to the body?

To break down fuels such as fats and carbohydrates in cells to produce energy for the cells

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