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Questions and Answers
What role does hepcidin play in iron transport?
What role does hepcidin play in iron transport?
- It enhances ferroportin activity.
- It converts Fe2+ to Fe3+ for transport.
- It increases iron absorption in the gut.
- It inhibits ferroportin, reducing iron transport. (correct)
Which protein is primarily responsible for transporting iron in the bloodstream?
Which protein is primarily responsible for transporting iron in the bloodstream?
- Hemoglobin
- Ferritin
- Transferrin (correct)
- Albumin
How many Fe2+ ions can transferrin bind?
How many Fe2+ ions can transferrin bind?
- Three
- One
- Two (correct)
- Four
Which of the following is a method of iron loss from the body?
Which of the following is a method of iron loss from the body?
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What are the storage forms of iron in the body?
What are the storage forms of iron in the body?
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Study Notes
Regulation of Iron Transport
- Hepcidin is a hormone that controls iron levels by inhibiting ferroportin.
- Ferroportin's inhibition leads to decreased iron transport into the bloodstream.
Iron Transport in Blood
- Transferrin is the primary iron transport protein in circulation.
- Each transferrin molecule can bind two $Fe^{2+}$ ions.
- Transferrin is typically one-third saturated, indicating available capacity for iron binding.
Iron Storage and Toxicity Prevention
- Iron is stored in body tissues primarily as ferritin and hemosiderin.
- These storage forms protect the body from the toxic effects of free iron.
Iron Loss Mechanisms
- Iron is lost from the body through several routes:
- Feces
- Skin desquamation
- Menstrual blood (in women)
- Minimal iron loss occurs through urine.
Daily Iron Loss
- In men, about 2 mg of iron is lost daily.
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