What happens to the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin after the heme is broken down?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the fate of the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin after the heme portion is broken down, requiring knowledge of the biochemical processes involved in hemoglobin metabolism.
Answer
The alpha and beta chains are broken down into amino acids, which are recycled to produce new proteins.
The alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin are broken down into amino acids after the heme group is separated from them. These amino acids can then be recycled by the body to produce new proteins.
Answer for screen readers
The alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin are broken down into amino acids after the heme group is separated from them. These amino acids can then be recycled by the body to produce new proteins.
More Information
When hemoglobin is broken down, the iron from the heme group is conserved and reused for new hemoglobin synthesis, while the rest of the heme is converted into bilirubin to be excreted.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming the globin chains themselves are discarded. They are actually broken down and recycled.
Sources
- What happens to globin and heme when RBCs are destroyed? - homework.study.com
- Erythrocytes | Anatomy and Physiology II - Lumen Learning - courses.lumenlearning.com
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