How is heme produced?

Heme:

1. Heme is a ring-shaped molecule and is the precursor of hemoglobin
2. The special shape is due to an organic compound called porphyrin, which enables it to “carry” an iron atom.
3. Heme part of hemoglobin is used to transport oxygen and move electrons

Production of heme

1. Heme is produced partly in the mitochondria and partly in the cytoplasm.
2. Although heme is produced in every human cell, 80% is produced in erythropoietic cells and 15% in liver parenchymal cells.
3. The kidney hormone erythropoietin stimulates the production of heme in the bone marrow.