Why does the human body need iron?

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SUMMARY

The human body requires iron primarily for its role in forming metal complexes, notably in hemoglobin, which is essential for oxygen transport. Hemoglobin, while a protein, is distinct from enzymes, although both are types of proteins. Iron's biological functions are largely centered around its ability to form complexes, such as heme porphyrins, which can participate in catalytic reactions. The discussion clarifies that while hemoglobin is not an enzyme, it exemplifies iron's critical biological utility.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of protein structures, specifically hemoglobin and enzymes.
  • Knowledge of metal complexes and their biological significance.
  • Familiarity with the role of iron in human physiology.
  • Basic biochemistry concepts related to catalysis and enzyme function.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of iron in heme synthesis and its implications for anemia.
  • Explore the differences between enzymes and other protein types, focusing on their functions.
  • Investigate various iron complexes and their catalytic properties in biological systems.
  • Study the biochemical pathways involving iron and its impact on overall health.
USEFUL FOR

Biochemists, healthcare professionals, students in biology or medicine, and anyone interested in the physiological roles of minerals in the human body.

Chaos' lil bro Order
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As far as I know Iron is used in many enzymes as the metal complex. Beyond this are there any biological uses for iron? All uses appreciated, ty.
 
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here the most prominent example i know of is its presence in haemoglobin, a protein that makes use of iron to bind oxygen and transport it around the body
 
Chaos' lil bro Order said:
As far as I know Iron is used in many enzymes as the metal complex. Beyond this are there any biological uses for iron?

Nope. Complexes are pretty much all iron does. The above poster's example of hemoglobin is an example of an iron complex.
 
ShawnD said:
Nope. Complexes are pretty much all iron does. The above poster's example of hemoglobin is an example of an iron complex.

Yes, but hemoglobin is a protein, not an enzyme, so his post is a valid example of another use of iron.

Incidentally, have you ever noticed that if you smell your finger after picking at a scab with a little blood on it, that is smells strongly like iron?
 
Yes, but hemoglobin is a protein, not an enzyme, so his post is a valid example of another use of iron.

But the iron is still acting through forming a complex - in this case, it is actually a heme porphyrin. The fact that the iron isn't performing a reaction is a mere technicallity - there are many iron-porphyrins that DO catalyze reactions.
 
Chaos' lil bro Order said:
Yes, but hemoglobin is a protein, not an enzyme, so his post is a valid example of another use of iron.

Enzymes are proteins too. But hemoglobin is not an enzyme. Regardless, I think you've gotten the answer you were seeking, correct?
 
Do I have to draw a Venh Diagram, I'd rather not.
 

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