Question

The accumulation of glucose 6-phosphate inside a bacterial cell via phosphorylation of glucose is an example of

A) plasmolysis.
B) diffusion.
C) facilitated diffusion.
D) osmosis.
E) group translocation.

Answer 1

The phosphorylation of glucose as it enters a bacterial cell is an example of group translocation, a process where substances are chemically modified during transport into the cell.

Step-by-step explanation:

The accumulation of glucose 6-phosphate inside a bacterial cell via phosphorylation of glucose is an example of group translocation. This is a process where substances are chemically modified during their transport into a cell, preventing the need for transport against an unfavorable concentration gradient. A notable mechanism that utilizes this type of transport is the bacterial phosphotransferase system, which phosphorylates sugars such as glucose upon entry into the cell. Group translocation is distinct from processes like passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis, as it involves active transport and modification of the molecule being transported. The phosphorylation of glucose upon entry into the bacterial cell prepares it for early stages of sugar metabolism without requiring additional energy for movement against the gradient.