Question

The hemoglobin within macrophages that have consumed RBCs is broken down into heme and globin. What are the products of the breakdown of hemoglobin?

1) Heme and globin
2) Heme and iron
3) Globin and iron
4) Heme, globin, and iron

Answer 1

When hemoglobin is broken down within macrophages, it leads to the formation of heme, globin, and iron. Heme further degrades into biliverdin and bilirubin. Therefore, the correct answer is heme, globin, and iron (4).

Step-by-step explanation:

The breakdown of hemoglobin within macrophages leads to several products. The hemoglobin is initially split into heme and globin. The globin is then further broken down into amino acids that can be reused by the body. Meanwhile, the iron contained in the heme is either stored or transported for the creation of new erythrocytes. Non-iron components of the heme are degraded into biliverdin and then further into bilirubin. Thus, the products of hemoglobin degradation are heme, globin, and iron, with heme being further processed into biliverdin and bilirubin. In the context of the provided options, the correct answer is heme, globin, and iron (4).