Wiley Iron Metabolism - Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Study

Iron is indispensable for the growth, development, and well-being of almost all living organisms. This comprehensive text from Wiley explores how biological systems, ranging from bacteria and fungi to plants and humans, have evolved complex systems for the uptake, utilization, storage, and homeostasis of iron. Because iron uptake is vital for microbial growth, these systems are natural targets for pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. The book examines the unique biological challenges faced by humans, who suffer from both iron deficiency and iron overload. It also addresses how the capacity of iron to generate highly reactive free radicals causes oxidative stress, a process associated with a wide range of human pathologies.