Final answer:
Glucose is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract after a meal. This occurs mainly in the small intestine using processes like secondary active transport and facilitated diffusion. Surplus glucose is either used for immediate energy or stored as glycogen or fat.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following a meal, glucose is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract. Glucose, being a monosaccharide, is absorbed through the small intestine's lining after being released from more complex carbohydrates during digestion. The processes of absorption and storage depend on current energy needs and the body's state. If energy is needed shortly after eating, glucose will be immediately used for energy.
Otherwise, excess glucose is stored as glycogen in liver and muscle cells, or converted to fat and stored in adipose tissues. Protein carriers and sodium ions facilitate the uptake of glucose into epithelial cells of the small intestine, a process known as secondary active transport, while fructose enters cells via facilitated diffusion