What is co-transport?

Co-transport is the simultaneous transport of two substances across a membrane.

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Name the three proteins involved in the co-transport of sodium and glucose. 

  1. Sodium-potassium pump 
  2. Sodium-glucose co-transporter protein 
  3. Glucose protein channel

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What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump in co-transport of sodium and glucose?

The sodium-potassium pump actively transports sodium ions out of epithelial cells into the blood. This creates a concentration gradient as there is a higher concentration of sodium ions in the lumen of the ileum than in the epithelial cells. 

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What is the role of sodium in co-transport?

To create a concentration gradient that drives the transport of glucose.

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What is the role of the sodium-glucose co-transporter proteins in the co-transport of glucose?

The sodium-glucose transporter proteins move sodium ions from a high concentration in the lumen of the ileum to a low concentration in the ileum epithelial cells. These proteins also transport glucose.

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Where does co-transport of sodium and glucose occur in digestion?

In the ileum of the small intestine.

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What is the advantage of co-transport for glucose uptake?

Co-transport allows glucose to be transported against its concentration gradient, increasing its uptake efficiency

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How do glucose molecules move from the epithelial cells into the bloodstream?

Glucose molecules move from a high concentration in the epithelial cells to a low concentration in the blood via facilitated diffusion through glucose carrier proteins.

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