Question

Which of the following statements is INCORRECT about how the components of hemoglobin are recycled?

a. Hemoglobin can be recycled only if phagocytized by macrophages.
b. Each heme is stripped of its iron and converted to bilirubin, then excreted in bile.
c. The alpha and beta chains are released into the bloodstream for use by other cells.
d. Iron ions are either stored in a phagocytic cell or circulate in the blood, bound to transferrin (a plasma protein).

Answer 1

C

Step-by-step explanation:

The globin of the RBC is broken down into constituent amino acids that can be reutilized by the phagocytic cells (this can occur in the spleen, liver and lymph node). The chains cannot be reused in their large form. The heme(iron) is transported by the blood to the bone marrow and is used to make new red blood cells.