When erythrocytes are destroyed, some of the heme is converted into bilirubin and then secreted as bile.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When erythrocytes (red blood cells) are destroyed, the heme molecules in their hemoglobin are broken down. One of the byproducts of heme breakdown is bilirubin, which is released into the bloodstream and eventually taken up by liver cells and secreted into bile. Bile helps to digest fats in the small intestine and is eventually excreted from the body.

When Erythrocytes Are Destroyed, Some of the Heme Is Converted