Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive

Hoehn - Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition

Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook

Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott 12th Edition

Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive

Problem 13

Chapter 2, Problem 13

A deficiency in this element can be expected to reduce the hemoglobin content of blood:
a. Fe
b. I
c. F
d. Ca
e. K

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

Step 2: Identify the element essential for hemoglobin synthesis. Hemoglobin contains iron (Fe) atoms that bind oxygen molecules, making iron critical for its function.

Step 3: Review the options given: Fe (iron), I (iodine), F (fluorine), Ca (calcium), and K (potassium). Consider which of these elements is directly involved in hemoglobin structure.

Step 4: Recognize that a deficiency in iron (Fe) leads to reduced hemoglobin production, causing conditions like anemia, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.

Step 5: Conclude that among the options, iron (Fe) is the element whose deficiency would reduce hemoglobin content in the blood.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Role of Iron (Fe) in Hemoglobin Formation

Iron is a critical component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. Each hemoglobin molecule contains iron atoms that bind oxygen, enabling efficient oxygen delivery to tissues. A deficiency in iron leads to reduced hemoglobin synthesis, causing anemia and decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.

Function of Hemoglobin in Blood

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and returns carbon dioxide for exhalation. Its structure includes iron-containing heme groups essential for oxygen binding. Proper hemoglobin levels are vital for maintaining adequate oxygen supply and overall metabolic function.

Impact of Nutrient Deficiencies on Blood Components

Deficiencies in certain nutrients can impair blood composition and function. While iron deficiency directly reduces hemoglobin, other elements like iodine (I), fluorine (F), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) have different physiological roles and do not directly affect hemoglobin content. Understanding these distinctions helps identify causes of blood disorders.

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The lipid(s) used as the basis of vitamin D, sex hormones, and bile salts is/are:

a. Triglycerides

b. Cholesterol

c. Phospholipids

d. Prostaglandin

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Textbook Question

Which of the following covalently bonded molecules are polar?

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

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Textbook Question

Identify each reaction as one of the following:

a. A synthesis reaction

b. A decomposition reaction

c. An exchange reaction

(1) 2Hg + O₂ → 2HgO

(2) HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

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Textbook Question

A chemist, during the course of an analysis, runs across a chemical composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the proportion 1:2:1 and having a six-sided molecular shape. It is probably:

a. A pentose

b. An amino acid

c. A fatty acid

d. A monosaccharide

e. A nucleic acid

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Textbook Question

A triglyceride consists of:

a. Glycerol plus three fatty acids

b. A sugar-phosphate backbone to which two amino groups are attached

c. Two to several hexoses

d. Amino acids that have been thoroughly saturated with hydrogen