Question

After non-heme iron is converted to Fe₂⁺ by cytochrome B, it enters the duodenal cell by the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) transporter. What type of transporter is DMT1?

1) Uniporter
2) Symporter
3) Antiporter
4) Facilitated Diffusion

Answer 1

The divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) that assists non-heme iron absorption into duodenal cells is classified as a symporter, as it simultaneously transports iron and a proton across the cell membrane.

Step-by-step explanation:

The divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is a type of transporter that facilitates the entry of non-heme iron, which has been converted to Fe₂⁺ by cytochrome b, into duodenal cells. DMT1 falls into the category of symporters, as it transports iron across the cell membrane together with a proton (H⁺). This means that for each molecule of iron that enters the cell, a proton is simultaneously transported in the same direction, making the process of iron absorption efficient and aligned with the body's requirements.