Final answer:
In the spleen, hemoglobin is initially degraded into biliverdin by the reticuloendothelial system. Biliverdin is then converted to bilirubin, which becomes part of the bile. The released iron is stored or recycled for new erythrocytes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hemoglobin is degraded by macrophages in the reticuloendothelial system, primarily in the spleen. One of the initial molecules formed during hemoglobin breakdown is biliverdin, which is a green pigment. The heme portion of hemoglobin, after releasing its iron, is converted to biliverdin through the action of enzymes. This biliverdin is then reduced to bilirubin, a yellow pigment that eventually becomes part of bile in the liver, aiding in fat digestion. It is important to note that the iron from the heme is not wasted; rather, it is stored in the form of ferritin or hemosiderin in the spleen or liver, or transported by transferrin to the bone marrow for recycling into new erythrocytes.
The reticuloendothelial system in the spleen converts hemoglobin to biliverdin which is then converted to bilirubin.In the spleen, hemoglobin is initially degraded into biliverdin by the reticuloendothelial system. Biliverdin is then converted to bilirubin, which becomes part of the bile. The released iron is stored or recycled for new erythrocytes.