Final answer:
The correct statement is that glucose and maltose are absorbed using the same transport proteins (SGLT); glucose is not digested further as it is already a monosaccharide ready for absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the statements about the digestive system, the correct answer is that glucose and maltose are absorbed using the same transport proteins (SGLT). In the digestive system, glucose is not digested into smaller particles; rather, it is already a monosaccharide that can be absorbed directly. Glucose and galactose use common protein carriers associated with secondary active transport, which involves co-transport with sodium ions. As a result, statement a, which says "glucose is digested into smaller particles which are absorbed," is not correct as glucose is a simple sugar that does not require further digestion to be absorbed.
Maltase enzyme present in the small intestine actually breaks down maltose into two glucose molecules, after which glucose is absorbed. Hence, statement b is correct because glucose and maltose, after maltase action, are absorbed through the small intestine wall using the same type of transport proteins known as SGLTs (sodium-glucose linked transporters).