Question

Protoporphyrin and Fe₂⁺ combine to form heme via the enzyme ferrochelatase. What is the process called?

1) Heme Synthesis
2) Protoporphyrin Synthesis
3) Ferrochelatase Synthesis
4) Iron Synthesis

Answer 1

The combination of protoporphyrin and Fe⁺⁵ through the enzyme ferrochelatase to form heme is known as Heme Synthesis, which is essential for the production of hemoglobin and other heme-containing proteins.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process by which protoporphyrin and Fe²⁺ combine to form heme via the enzyme ferrochelatase is called Heme Synthesis. Heme is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells.

Furthermore, the synthesis of heme is a critical process that is regulated by various enzymes and intermediates, ensuring adequate production and integration into hemoglobin and other heme-containing proteins like cytochromes, which are involved in electron transport and energy production within cells.