Biochemistry · Heme and Hemoglobin

Heme degradation and bilirubin metabolism

5 min read

Quick Orientation

Section

Definition

Objective
Understand the core idea
Keywords
Bile pigments, 120-day lifespan, 250 to 350 mg/day

Site and Fate of Erythrocyte Components

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
reticuloendothelial (RE) system, globin, heme

Heme Oxygenase and Biliverdin Reductase

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
Heme oxygenase, NADPH, O2

Transport of Bilirubin to the Liver

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
albumin, 25 mg bilirubin/100 mL plasma, carrier-mediated active transport

Hepatic Conjugation and Biliary Excretion

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
two molecules of glucuronate, bilirubin glucuronyltransferase, bilirubin diglucuronide

Clinical Correlation

Objective
Connect the mechanism to clinical findings
Keywords
Bilirubin-albumin displacement, Urine colour, urobilin

Definition