A Case of Iron Deficiency

A Case of Iron Deficiency

(Summarizing and Note-Taking)

Directions: Go to this website: http://www.sciencecases.org/ida/ida.asp and answer the following questions:

Describe the structure of a molecule of hemoglobin and explain the role played by iron in the transport of oxygen.

Hemoglobin is found in the blood and is a protein composed of four polypeptide chains. It is located in all vertebrates and transports most of the blood oxygen. Each iron atom can bind to oxygen easily. Hemoglobin can also deliver oxygen easily because it exhibits a relaxed state that releases the oxygen, and reduces the iron atoms from +3 to +2. It is also exhibits cooperativity, such that as saturation of oxygen increases, it becomes easier for more oxygen to bind.

How is iron stored and transported in the body?

About ⅔ of the iron in the body is stored in hemoglobin. The remaining is not available in the blood, and is stored in proteins such as ferritin. Ferritin is used as an “emergency” buffer to protect the body from iron shortages.

3. What is Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and how frequently does it occur?

IDA is the most common form of anemia that occurs when there is not enough iron present in the body to produce hemoglobin, making the red blood cells smaller, and that makes them insufficient in transporting oxygen. It is estimated that over one billion people suffer from iron deficiency.

4. What are the most common causes of IDA?

Causes of iron deficiency include deficient diet (of iron), decreased absorption, increased requirements due to pregnancy or lactation, or different types of blood loss. Blood loss can be from gastrointestinal, menstrual, or blood donation.

5. Why are women more prone to IDA than men?

Women have an increased chance to having IDA than men because of menstruation and pregnancy, which increases their chances of blood loss, and therefore iron loss.

6. What are the red blood cell indices, and what tests are...