Ferritin iron uptake and release. Structure–function relationships

Abstract

Iron uptake and release by ferritin molecules of different iron contents show similar profiles. These are discussed in relation to the structure of the ferritin molecule. Two models of iron uptake and release are considered. One involves iron oxidation–reduction sites on the protein. The other allows direct interaction of reagents with the iron-core crystallites. It is concluded that the second model accounts better for the experimental results presented now and in previous publications.