Iron in biology
Iron in Biology
Iron (IPA: /ˈaɪərn/, from Old English: isern) is a chemical element with the symbol Fe (from Latin: ferrum) and atomic number 26. It is a metal in the first transition series. In biology, iron is an essential element for all known forms of life.
Function
Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues, and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Iron is also part of myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles, and cytochromes, proteins that play a key role in the production of energy in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells.
Absorption and Transport
Iron is absorbed in the duodenum and upper jejunum of the small intestine. The absorption process is regulated by the hormone hepcidin, which is produced by the liver. Iron is transported in the blood by a protein called transferrin.
Deficiency and Overload
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, leading to anemia, a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. On the other hand, iron overload, or hemochromatosis, can cause damage to the liver, heart, and pancreas.
Dietary Sources
Good sources of dietary iron include red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and iron-fortified foods. The body absorbs two to three times more iron from animal sources than from plants.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Iron in biology
- Wikipedia's article - Iron in biology
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