Why does the human body need iron?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the biological roles of iron in the human body, particularly its use in enzymes and proteins. Participants explore various examples and clarify the distinctions between different types of biological molecules that utilize iron.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that iron is used in many enzymes as a metal complex.
  • Others highlight hemoglobin as a prominent example of iron's biological role, noting its function in oxygen transport.
  • A participant asserts that the primary role of iron is in forming complexes, suggesting that hemoglobin is an example of this.
  • Another participant emphasizes that hemoglobin is a protein, not an enzyme, which adds to the discussion about iron's uses.
  • There is a mention of the distinct smell of iron when blood is present, which some find interesting.
  • Some participants argue about the classification of hemoglobin and enzymes, discussing the technicalities of iron's role in catalysis.
  • A later reply questions the need for a visual representation, indicating a reluctance to engage with certain aspects of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of hemoglobin and its role compared to enzymes. There is no consensus on the extent of iron's biological functions beyond forming complexes.

Contextual Notes

Some statements depend on specific definitions of enzymes and proteins, and the discussion does not resolve the technical distinctions regarding iron's catalytic roles.

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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