Co-transport

Question 1

What is co-transport?

Answer 1

A form of transport where the movement of one molecule or ion into a cell or organelle is linked to the passive movement of another molecule or ion. The other substance is moved in the same direction.

Question 2

What is diffusion?

Answer 2

The movement of particles from a higher concentration to a lower concentration.

Question 3

What is active transport?

Answer 3

The movement of particles from a lower concentration to a higher concentration, requires energy.

Question 4

Outline the process of co-transport in the small intestine.

Answer 4

1. Sodium is actively transported out of the cell lining of the small intestine
2. The sodium ions diffuse from the lumen of the small intestine into the cells and every time it does this, it pulls glucose through with it
3. This is done by a sodium glucose co-transporter protein
4. Glucose is then moved into the blood from the cell lining by facilitated diffusion.