Final answer:
Normal saturation of transferrin with iron is approximately 33-47% for males and 25-40% for females, representing the physiologic state in which iron is actively used and stored.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage of transferrin molecules bound by iron can be inferred by comparing the normal content of protein-bound iron (FBI) in plasma with the total iron binding capacity (TIBC). For males, with an FBI of 120-140 µg/100 ml and a TIBC of 300-360 µg/100 ml, approximately 33-47% of transferrin molecules are normally iron-saturated. For females, with an FBI of 90-120 µg/100 ml and the same TIBC, the saturation is about 25-40%. These percentages represent the normal physiologic state, with iron bound to transferrin being utilized in various biological functions such as the synthesis of hemoglobin and storage in ferritin molecules.
The % of transferrin molecules normally bound by iron can vary depending on the individual's sex. In males, the protein bound iron (FBI) ranges from 120-140 µg/100 ml, while in females it ranges from 90-120 µg/100 ml. However, the total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is about the same for both sexes, ranging from 300-360 µg/100 ml.