Prepare for the Foundations of Biology Exam 1. Dive into key biological concepts with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace the exam with our efficient study methods!

Multiple Choice

Which statement about the glucose–Na+ symporter is true?

The glucose–Na+ symporter operates by secondary active transport: it uses the energy stored in the sodium electrochemical gradient to move glucose into the cell against its own gradient. That gradient is created and maintained by the Na+/K+ ATPase, which uses ATP to pump Na+ out of the cell. Because the symporter relies on this Na+ gradient, it works in tandem with the Na+/K+ pump to achieve glucose uptake. It does not use ATP directly to move glucose, and it cannot function without the Na+ gradient, so statements claiming independence from or lack of reliance on Na+ gradients are incorrect.

The glucose–Na+ symporter operates by secondary active transport: it uses the energy stored in the sodium electrochemical gradient to move glucose into the cell against its own gradient. That gradient is created and maintained by the Na+/K+ ATPase, which uses ATP to pump Na+ out of the cell. Because the symporter relies on this Na+ gradient, it works in tandem with the Na+/K+ pump to achieve glucose uptake. It does not use ATP directly to move glucose, and it cannot function without the Na+ gradient, so statements claiming independence from or lack of reliance on Na+ gradients are incorrect.