Final answer:
When free iodine enters microorganisms, it binds with cellular components through a series of steps. This process leads to the formation of thyroid hormones, which play crucial roles in various physiological functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When free iodine enters microorganisms, it can bind with cellular components. The process of iodine binding with cellular components involves several steps.
- The iodide ions move to the lumen of the follicle cells in the thyroid gland.
- There, oxidation occurs, converting the iodide ions into iodine.
- In the colloid, peroxidase enzymes link the iodine to tyrosine amino acids in thyroglobulin, producing triiodothyronine (T3) or thyroxine (T4), thyroid hormones with three or four iodine atoms, respectively.
This process allows iodine to be incorporated into thyroid hormones, which are important for cellular oxidation, growth, reproduction, and nervous system activity.