Siderophage
Siderophage
Siderophage (pronunciation: /ˈsaɪdərəˌfɑːdʒ/) is a term used in medical science to refer to cells that have the ability to store iron. The term is derived from the Greek words "sideros" meaning iron and "phagein" meaning to eat.
Etymology
The term Siderophage is derived from two Greek words. The first word is "sideros" which translates to iron in English. The second word is "phagein" which means to eat. Therefore, the term Siderophage can be literally translated to mean "iron eater".
Function
Siderophages are cells that have the ability to store iron. They are often found in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. These cells play a crucial role in the body's iron metabolism. They store iron in a safe form and release it when the body needs it for various functions such as the production of hemoglobin.
Related Terms
- Hemosiderin: This is the form in which iron is stored in siderophages. It is a complex of iron, oxygen, and protein.
- Hemochromatosis: This is a medical condition that occurs when too much iron builds up in the body. It can be caused by a mutation in a gene that controls the amount of iron absorbed from food.
- Ferritin: This is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. It is found in most tissues, especially in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Siderophage
- Wikipedia's article - Siderophage
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