A type of transport protein found in the plasma membrane of cells lining the inside of the intestine allows sodium ions to diffuse down their concentration gradient.The ions move through the transport protein,and into the cell.These transport proteins will use the kinetic energy of the diffusing sodium ions to bring glucose into the cells as well.This transport protein would best be described as ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A symporter is a type of carrier protein that transports two different molecules across a membrane in the same direction. In this case, the transport protein allows both sodium ions and glucose to enter the cell, using the kinetic energy of the sodium ions moving down their concentration gradient. A pump, on the other hand, actively transports molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input. A channel allows molecules to pass through the membrane passively, without any energy input from the cell.

A Type of Transport Protein Found in the Plasma Membrane