Heme metabolism is the process by which the body produces and breaks down heme, an essential component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Heme is synthesized from glycine and succinyl-CoA in a series of enzymatic reactions that occur primarily in the liver and bone marrow. Once produced, heme plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. When red blood cells age, heme is broken down into bilirubin, which is then processed by the liver and excreted in bile. This breakdown helps maintain the balance of heme levels in the body and prevents toxicity. Proper heme metabolism is vital for overall health and function.