Question

For each of the five secondary active transporters (two come from Topic 8), be able to explain where and how they function and where the energy comes from.

Answer 1

Secondary active transporters utilize the energy of an electrochemical gradient established by primary active transport to transport substances into the cell against their concentration gradient.

Step-by-step explanation:

Secondary active transporters function by utilizing the energy of an electrochemical gradient established by primary active transport. This allows them to move substances into the cell against their concentration gradient. One example of a secondary active transporter is the sodium-glucose cotransporter, which transports glucose into the cell along with sodium ions. Another example is the sodium-calcium exchanger, which transports calcium out of the cell in exchange for sodium ions.

The energy for secondary active transport comes from the electrochemical gradient established by primary active transport, which is fueled by ATP. This primary active transport system uses energy to pump ions such as sodium and potassium across the cell membrane, creating an imbalance of concentrations. This imbalance of ions creates an electrochemical gradient, which can then be utilized by secondary active transporters to transport other substances.