The Iron Man molecule has been found to correct iron delivery issues that lead to such disorders as anemia, cystic fibrosis and heart disease. Though the corrections have only been successful in animals so far, this new compound could be a key element in other breakthrough compounds that could help scientists better understand iron deficiency-related diseases. This could also lead to a much larger variety of successful treatments and cures for such diseases in the future.
Most of us are relatively unaware of the various jobs that these molecules do and how they keep us going on a day-to-day basis. Thanks to the continued research of scientists, though, we can now know just how important these particles actually are to our overall health.
For example, Oxygen— which makes up 65 percent of human body weight— is a key element found in the lungs and bloodstream, playing an important role in cellular respiration. It is also used to help produce energy molecules, and is found in everything from proteins to nucleic acids.
Though comprising a significantly smaller percentage of our overall body weight, Carbon is the second-most abundant element in the human body and the element that is considered the basis of organic chemistry. Not only does every other molecule in the body contain Carbon, but it also forms the basis of all metabolic reactions in the body.
Like Carbon, Hydrogen is also found in every single molecule in the body. Though most of the hydrogen in our bodies is used to help form water (H20), it can also act as a positive ion in chemical reactions.
Regardless of the many “mutant” molecule compounds still yet to be discovered, we can all rest-assured that our bodies will continue to function under the “protection” of the many molecules that we far too often take for granted.
Top photo by: Andreas / Pixabay, CC0
Natalie Wickstrom is a freelance writer based in Athens, Georgia. She most likely wrote this piece to the tune of a movie score whilst chewing gum.