In a hypothetical study,cells are placed in a solution of glucose in which the concentration of glucose is gradually increased.At first,the rate at which glucose enters the cells is found to increase as the concentration of the glucose solution is increased.But when the glucose concentration of the solution is increased above 10 M,the rate no longer increases.Which of the following is the likely mechanism for glucose transport into these cells?
A) Facilitated diffusion via a carrier protein
B) Facilitated diffusion via a channel protein
C) Pinocytosis
D) Tertiary active transport
E) Hydrolysis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the rate of glucose transport increases with increasing concentration but levels off above 10 M suggests that the cells are using a facilitated diffusion mechanism, rather than active transport or pinocytosis, which would continue to transport glucose even at higher concentrations. Additionally, the use of a carrier protein is suggested over a channel protein because carriers can undergo a conformational change to transport molecules across the membrane, which allows for regulation of the transport rate based on concentration.

In a Hypothetical Study,cells Are Placed in a Solution of Glucose