Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
redox sites, mammalian ferritin, metabolism, iron storage
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
Ferritin is a protein that facilitates iron metabolism in the body. Virtually all living organisms are dependent on ferritin for iron storage. It has been found in everything including animals, plants and bacteria. Ferritin is formed from 24 subunits, which are arranged to form a sphere with a hollow center. In mammals these subunits consist of two isomers: heavy and light, which are named so due to the difference in their molecular weight. In the center the iron is stored as ferric hydroxide. The mechanism of the iron deposition into the core is not well understood. A part of this mechanism involves the binding of the ferrous ion to the protein shell.
Recommended Citation
Kenealey, Jason and Watt, Dr. Gerald
(2014)
"Determination of the Number of Redox Sites in Mammalian Ferritin,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 1166.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1166