Cells can acquire iron through several mechanisms:
Transferrin-mediated uptake: Transferrin is a plasma protein that binds iron and transports it to cells via transferrin receptors. Ferritin storage: Ferritin is an intracellular protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled manner. Iron uptake from diet: Dietary iron is absorbed in the duodenum and jejunum of the small intestine. Heme uptake: Cells can also acquire iron from heme, a component of hemoglobin, via specific receptors.
