Chapter 15, Problem 15.101EP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To identify the heme degradation product (1) bilirubin, (2) biliverdin, (3) stercobilin, and (4) urobilin formed at the same time $\text{CO}$ is produced.

Concept introduction: Hemoglobin is a heme protein present in the red blood cells. The protein part is called globin and the non-protein part is heme. Heme is the prosthetic group that contains 4 pyrrole groups bonded together and has an iron atom in the center. The structure of the heme group is:

The first step of degradation of heme involves opening of pyrrole ring with the release of the iron atom and production of biliverdin. The iron atom released becomes part of ferritin protein. Biliverdin produced is converted bilirubin in the spleen. Bilirubin is then transported to the liver where attachment of sugar residues to the propionate side chains of the bilirubin occurs to make it more soluble. Then more solubilized bilirubin is excreted in bile and finally to the small intestine. In the small intestine, it is converted into stercobilin for excretion in feces or urobilin for excretion in urine.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To identify the heme degradation product (1) bilirubin, (2) biliverdin, (3) stercobilin, and (4) urobilin associated with the condition called jaundice.

Concept introduction: Hemoglobin is a heme protein present in the red blood cells. The protein part is called globin and the non-protein part is heme. Heme is the prosthetic group that contains 4 pyrrole groups bonded together and has an iron atom in the center.

The structure of the heme group is:

The first step of degradation of heme involves opening of pyrrole ring with the release of the iron atom and production of biliverdin. The iron atom released becomes part of ferritin protein. Biliverdin produced is converted bilirubin in the spleen. Bilirubin is then transported to the liver where attachment of sugar residues to the propionate side chains of the bilirubin occurs to make it more soluble. Then more solubilized bilirubin is excreted in bile and finally to the small intestine. In the small intestine, it is converted into stercobilin for excretion in feces or urobilin for excretion in urine.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To identify the heme degradation product (1) bilirubin, (2) biliverdin, (3) stercobilin, and (4) urobilin for which molecular oxygen is used as a reactant.

Concept introduction: Hemoglobin is a heme protein present in the red blood cells. The protein part is called globin and the non-protein part is heme. Heme is the prosthetic group that contains 4 pyrrole groups bonded together and has an iron atom in the center.

The structure of the heme group is:

The first step of degradation of heme involves opening of pyrrole ring with the release of the iron atom and production of biliverdin. The iron atom released becomes part of ferritin protein. Biliverdin produced is converted bilirubin in the spleen. Bilirubin is then transported to the liver where attachment of sugar residues to the propionate side chains of the bilirubin occurs to make it more soluble. Then more solubilized bilirubin is excreted in bile and finally to the small intestine. In the small intestine, it is converted into stercobilin for excretion in feces or urobilin for excretion in urine.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To identify the heme degradation product (1) bilirubin, (2) biliverdin, (3) stercobilin, and (4) urobilin which is bile pigment and has a brownish color.

Concept introduction: Hemoglobin is a heme protein present in the red blood cells. The protein part is called globin and the non-protein part is heme. Heme is the prosthetic group that contains 4 pyrrole groups bonded together and has an iron atom in the center.

The structure of the heme group is:

The first step of degradation of heme involves opening of pyrrole ring with the release of the iron atom and production of biliverdin. The iron atom released becomes part of ferritin protein. Biliverdin produced is converted bilirubin in the spleen. Bilirubin is then transported to the liver where attachment of sugar residues to the propionate side chains of the bilirubin occurs to make it more soluble. Then more solubilized bilirubin is excreted in bile and finally to the small intestine. In the small intestine, it is converted into stercobilin for excretion in feces or urobilin for excretion in urine.

Bile pigments are the colored degradation product of tetrapyrrole carbon arrangement of heme portion of hemoglobin. These are excreted in bile and give characteristic color to urine and feces.