A symporter moves glucose and sodium from extracellular fluids into the cell. What can be concluded about the movement of glucose?

Question

A symporter is moving glucose and sodium levels are being depleted in extracellular fluids. What can be concluded about the movement of glucose? Choose all that apply.

1.) Glucose would be moving against its gradient into the cell

2.) Glucose follows the gradient of sodium into the cell 

3.) Glucose would be moving with its gradient into the cell

4.) ATP is not required to move sodium down its concentration gradient

5.) Energy is needed to move glucose down its concentration gradient

6.) Glucose's movement would still be considered diffusion

7.) Glucose's movement is considered a part of coupled transport

Answer 1

A symporter moves glucose and sodium from extracellular fluids into the cell. What can be concluded about the movement of glucose? A symporter is moving glucose and sodium levels are being depleted in extracellular fluids. What can be concluded about the movement of glucose? Choose all that apply.

A symporter is an integral protein found in the cell membrane. It simulaneously moves two different molecules across the cell memebrane (both either in or out of the cell). It is considered secondary active transport meaning ATP is indrectly used for the facilitated diffusion to occur. ATP is used to move sodium outside of the cell (using a separate protein) creating a concentration gradient (more sodium outside, less sodium inside). Therefore, the sodium flows back into the cell without the use of ATP through the symporter and brings a glucose along with it.

1.) Glucose would be moving against its gradient into the cell - TRUE

2.) Glucose follows the gradient of sodium into the cell - TRUE (moves together)

3.) Glucose would be moving with its gradient into the cell - FALSE

4.) ATP is not required to move sodium down its concentration gradient - TRUE

5.) Energy is needed to move glucose down its concentration gradient - FALSE

6.) Glucose's movement would still be considered diffusion - TRUE

7.) Glucose's movement is considered a part of coupled transport - TRUE