Which of the following statements best describes some aspect of the function of a protein that cotransports glucose and sodium ions into the intestinal cells of an animal?
A) Sodium and glucose compete for the same binding site in the cotransporter.
B) Glucose entering the cell down its concentration gradient provides energy for uptake of sodium ions against the electrochemical gradient.
C) Sodium ions can move down their electrochemical gradient through the cotransporter whether or not glucose is present outside the cell.
D) A substance that blocks sodium ions from binding to the cotransport protein will also block the transport of glucose.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The function of a cotransporter that moves glucose and sodium ions into cells involves the coupling of glucose transport with sodium ion transport. If sodium ions are prevented from binding to the cotransport protein, it disrupts the process, thereby also blocking the transport of glucose. This is because the transport of glucose into the cell is directly linked to the sodium ion gradient, utilizing the energy from sodium ions moving down their electrochemical gradient to facilitate the uptake of glucose against its concentration gradient.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes Some Aspect of the Function