Topic 4 - Iron Metabolism and disorders

Question 1

What is the function of iron?

Answer 1

Primarily for oxygen transport, but also participates in catalytic energy transfer and reactions.

Question 2

How is iron distributed in the body? (total iron content: 3 to 5 grams)

Answer 2

1. Hb iron - 1.5 to 3 grams
2. Storage (available) tissue iron - 1.2 to 2 grams
3. Essential (non-available) tissue iron - 0.3g
4. Plasma (transport) iron - 3 to 4 mg

Question 3

What are the storage forms of iron?

Answer 3

ferritin & hemosiderin

Question 4

What are the essential forms of iron?

Answer 4

myoglobin & enzymes of cellular respiration

Question 5

What is the transport form of iron?

Answer 5

transferrin

Question 6

What is iron-deficiency?

Answer 6

a state in which iron stores in the body are inadequate to preserve
homeostasis. it is acquired and progressive, and signs & symptoms range from asymptomatic to severe.

Question 7

State the 3 stages of iron deficiency.

Answer 7

• Stage I (Iron depletion)
• Stage II (Iron-deficient erythropoiesis)
• Stage III (Iron-deficiency anaemia)

Question 8

Describe stage 1 of iron deficiency.

Answer 8

mildest stage where iron stores are mobilized and subsequently body iron is depleted