Question

Glucose diffuses slowly through artificial phospholipid bilayers. The cells lining the small intestine, however, rapidly move large quantities of glucose from the glucose-rich food into their glucose-poor cytoplasm. Using this information, which transport mechanism is most probably functioning in the intestinal cells?

A simple diffusion
B) phagocytosis
C) active transport pumps
D) Exocytosis
E) facilitated diffusion

Answer 1

The correct answer is E) facilitated diffusion

Step-by-step explanation:

Facilitated diffusion is the diffusion of molecules along the concentration gradient with the help of transporter molecules. As the molecule is moving along the concentration gradient no energy is required for this movement.

Glucose is a big molecule so it does not cross easily through phospholipid bilayer through simple diffusion. The cell lining of the intestine contains transporter proteins which allow the fast movement of glucose along the concentration gradient.

So by this way glucose move rapidly from glucose-rich food into their glucose-poor cytoplasm. So the right answer is E.