Functions of Iron

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Functions of Iron:

1. Formation of hemoglobin: The primary function of iron is
   
   to form hemoglobin.

2. Development of red cell: Iron is not only necessary for
   
   hemoglobin synthesis but also for the formation and maturation of red cell.

3. Oxygen carriage in blood in the form of hemoglobin. 1gm of
   
   hemoglobin carries about 1.34 ml of oxygen.

4. Supplies O2 to muscle: Myoglobin in muscle is an iron
   
   containing chromoprotien like hemoglobin.It combines with O2 and
   
   acts as an oxygen store for muscle.

5. Related to tissue oxidation:  a. Oxidative production of ATP within
   
   the mitochondria involves many iron containing enzymes both heme and nonheme. b. Cytochrome is an iron-containing
   
   compound, present in the cell. It functions in the respiratory chain in the
   
   transfer of electrons and the storage of energy through alternate oxidation and
   
   reduction of iron (Fe++  to Fe+++).

6. Detoxification: A number of water insoluble drugs
   
   and endogenous molecules are transformed by the cytochrome P-450 system (Cytochromes
   
   P450 (CYPs) belong to the superfamily of proteins containing a heme cofactor and, therefore, are heme
   
   proteins) in the liver into water soluble
   
   compounds that can be secreted in bile and eliminated.

7. Immune System: An adequate iron is necessary for
   
   the normal functioning of immune system. Both iron overload and iron deficiency
   
   result in changes in immune response. Iron is required by bacteria; therefore
   
   iron overload (especially intravenously) may result in increase risk of
   
   infection. On the other hand iron deficiency affects humoral and cellular
   
   immunity. Concentration of circulating T lymphocytes are reduced in persons
   
   with iron deficiency, and mitogenic response is impaired. Natural Killer (NK)
   
   cell activity is also reduced. In one study it is proved that the immune
   
   response of apparently healthy elderly persons was improved when they were
   
   receiving iron supplements. Two iron binding proteins-
   
   transferrin in blood and lactoferrin in breast milk appear to protect against
   
   infection by withholding iron from microorganisms that need it for
   
   proliferation.

8. Nervous System: Iron is used by brain cells for
   
   normal functioning at all ages. It is involved in the function and synthesis of
   
   neurotransmitter and, possibly myelin. Nissl granules present in
   
   the cytoplasm of the nerve cells, contains organically combined iron. Here iron
   
   serves some essential roles probably in oxidation.

9. Relation with cell nucleus: The chromatin of the nucleus
   
   contains iron. It is possible that this iron takes an essential part (may be
   
   oxidative) in the functions of nuclei.