Na - dependent glucose contransporters Flashcards
What type of transport do Na-dependent glucose cotransporters use?
They use indirect active transport, where energy from Na+ movement is used to transport glucose against its concentration gradient.
How does the Na-dependent glucose cotransporter work?
It transfers both Na+ and glucose molecules across the membrane into the cell. Glucose moves against its concentration gradient while Na+ moves down its gradient.
Why is energy required for Na-dependent glucose cotransport?
The energy comes from the movement of Na+ down its gradient, which indirectly provides the energy needed to move glucose against its gradient.
Where is Na-dependent glucose cotransport important in the body?
It is crucial in the kidney nephron (proximal convoluted tubule) for reabsorbing glucose from the glomerular filtrate back into the blood.
How is the Na+ gradient maintained for the cotransport process?
The Na+ gradient is maintained by Na+/K+ pumps on the basal side of the cell, which actively transport Na+ out of the cell and K+ into the cell.
Why is Na-dependent glucose cotransport not considered typical active transport?
It is not typical active transport because energy is not directly used by the cotransporter; instead, it uses energy from the movement of Na+ ions, which is secondary active transport.
