Question

Does heme synthesis occur in the cytoplasm or mitochondria?

1) Cytoplasm
2) Mitochondria
3) Both cytoplasm and mitochondria
4) Neither cytoplasm nor mitochondria

Answer 1

Heme synthesis occurs in both the cytoplasm and mitochondria of the cell, with the initial step happening in the cytoplasm and the subsequent steps occurring in the mitochondria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The synthesis of heme occurs in both the cytoplasm and mitochondria of the cell. In the cytoplasm, the first step of heme synthesis takes place, involving the conversion of glycine and succinyl-CoA to ALA. ALA then enters the mitochondria, where the subsequent steps of heme synthesis occur. These steps involve the incorporation of porphyrin and iron into ALA to form heme. The final heme product is then transported back to the cytoplasm for further utilization.