Final answer:
Carbohydrates on the plasma membrane face the extracellular space, aiding in cell recognition and environmental interaction. Glucose transport is regulated by proteins that facilitate its absorption, involving processes like facilitated diffusion and active transport.
Step-by-step explanation:
All of the carbohydrate of the plasma membrane (PM) faces into the extracellular space. Carbohydrates such as glycoproteins and glycolipids form a glycocalyx on the exterior surface of cells which is essential for various functions like cell recognition and interaction with the environment.
Assuming that there are glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, glucose would flow into or out of the cell based on concentration gradients and the use of transport proteins in processes like facilitated diffusion and active transport.
Carbohydrate absorption involves monosaccharides entering epithelial cells via protein carriers and secondary active transport. They are then transported into the bloodstream through facilitated diffusion where they can be used for energy or stored as fat or glycogen.