Final answer:
The gene that regulates hepcidin is HAMP, and its gene product is hepcidin. Hepcidin plays a crucial role in regulating iron metabolism in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gene that regulates hepcidin is called HAMP. The gene product, or the protein produced by the HAMP gene, is also called hepcidin. Hepcidin is an important regulator of iron metabolism in the body. It plays a key role in controlling iron absorption in the intestines and iron release from cells. Hepcidin binds to a protein called ferroportin, which is responsible for transporting iron out of cells. When hepcidin binds to ferroportin, it triggers its internalization and degradation, resulting in decreased iron release from cells. This helps maintain iron balance in the body.