Question

Determine whether the following statement is true or false: The glucose-Na+ symport protein uses the electrochemical Na+ gradient to drive the active transport of glucose into the cell. Once this transporter has bound both Na+ and glucose, it preferentially opens toward the cytosol, where it releases both solutes.

A) True
B) False

Answer 1

The statement is true; the glucose-Na+ symporter utilizes the Na+ electrochemical gradient for the active transport of glucose into the cell, releasing both Na+ and glucose in the cytosol.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the glucose-Na+ symport protein uses the electrochemical Na+ gradient to drive the active transport of glucose into the cell is true. Symporters, such as the sodium-glucose symporter, are secondary active transporters that move two substances in the same direction. The sodium-potassium pump generates an electrochemical gradient for Na+, and when both Na+ and glucose are bound to the symporter, it preferentially opens toward the cytosol. This action releases both solutes into the cell's interior and allows glucose to move into the cell against its concentration gradient utilizing the energy provided by the influx of Na+.