Question

Iron is absored in the body but not excreted (except for sloughing of the skin, women's menstruation). What are the 5 steps involved in the biochemistry of Iron Absorption to its Intracellular Storage?

Answer 1

Iron absorption and intracellular storage involve several steps:

1. Iron uptake: In the duodenum, iron is absorbed by enterocytes through specific transporters, such as DMT1 (divalent metal transporter 1).

2. Iron transport: Once inside enterocytes, iron binds to the protein ferritin, which helps to store and transport iron within the cell.

3. Iron release: When needed, iron is released from ferritin and exported out of the enterocytes into the bloodstream through the protein ferroportin.

4. Iron binding: In the bloodstream, iron binds to the protein transferrin, which transports iron to various tissues and cells throughout the body.

5. Intracellular storage: Inside cells, iron is stored and utilized in the form of ferritin, which acts as a reservoir for iron when it is needed for various cellular processes.

These steps ensure that iron is absorbed, transported, and stored efficiently in the body for its essential functions.