The apicoplast has also been implicated with heme synthesis and amino acid synthesis.

The organs mainly involved in heme synthesis are the liver and the bone marrow, although every cell requires heme to function properly.

This causes ineffective heme synthesis and subsequent microcytic anemia.

Details of heme synthesis can be found in the article on porphyrin.

There is a group of genetic disorders, known as the porphyrias that are characterized by errors in metabolic pathways of heme synthesis.

Under normal circumstances, heme synthesis begins in the mitochondrion, proceeds into the cytoplasm, and finishes back in the mitochondrion.

In other cases, the photodynamic substances may be produced in the body itself due to inborn errors in pigment metabolism, especially those involving the heme synthesis.

Lead's interference with heme synthesis results in production of zinc protoporphyrin and the development of anemia.

It is also active in the condensation reaction in heme synthesis.

In general, defects of heme synthesis after formation of HMB lead to photosensitivity.