The absorption of simple sugars and amino acids in the small intestine occurs by ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Simple sugars and amino acids are polar molecules, which means they cannot easily pass through the hydrophobic interior of the cell membrane. Therefore, they are absorbed into the small intestine by facilitated diffusion, which involves the use of protein channels or carriers to transport molecules across the membrane. Simple diffusion only applies to small, nonpolar molecules, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, while exocytosis and bulk flow involve the movement of larger particles or fluids. Osmosis refers specifically to the movement of water molecules, rather than the absorption of nutrients.

The Absorption of Simple Sugars and Amino Acids in the Small