Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Blood Iron Transport Protein
Iron transport protein in blood is:
- Hemosiderin
- Ferritin
- Transferrin — Correct Answer
- All the above
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Transferrin
Transferrin (also called siderophilin) is the specific iron transport protein in blood serum. It carries iron (Fe³⁺) from storage sites (liver) and absorption sites (intestinal mucosa) to utilization sites (bone marrow for haemoglobin synthesis).
Iron Metabolism Proteins
| Protein | Location | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Transferrin | Blood serum | Fe³⁺ transport → bone marrow, tissues |
| Ferritin | Liver, spleen, bone marrow cells | Short-term iron STORAGE |
| Hemosiderin | Liver, spleen, kidney cells | Long-term iron STORAGE (overflow) |
| Lactoferrin | Milk, colostrum, secretions | Iron-binding antimicrobial protein |
Clinical Significance
- Serum transferrin saturation (%) is used to assess iron status: normal = 20–50%.
- In iron deficiency anaemia → transferrin is high (more binding capacity unused) but saturation is low.
- In iron overload (haemochromatosis/siderosis) → transferrin is low and nearly fully saturated.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Hemosiderin → intracellular storage form; not a blood transport protein.
- Ferritin → intracellular storage protein; serum ferritin levels exist but it is not the transport form.
- All the above → only Transferrin is the transport protein in serum.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
