4.5 co-transport & absorption of glucose in the ileum

Question 1

describe the process of co-transport in the ileum. (4)

Answer 1

1) Na+ ions are actively transported out of epithelial cells by the sodium-potassium pump ito the blood
2) conc. of Na+ is higher in the ileum than the epithelial cell
3) Na+ ions diffuse into epithelial cells down a conc. gradient through co-transport protein, bringing amino acid/glucose molecules with it
4) glucose/amino acid passes into blood plasma by facilitated diffusion