Gastrointestinal Practice Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal Practice Questions related questions and content

Glucose and galactose in the small intestine are taken into the epithelial cell by ______ and passed into the interstitial fluid by

  • A. diffusion; facilitated diffusion
  • B. facilitated diffusion; cotransport
  • C. cotransport; active transport
  • D. cotransport; facilitated diffusion
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because glucose and galactose are taken into the epithelial cell by cotransport, where they are coupled with sodium ions. This process maintains a concentration gradient for glucose and galactose to move against. Once inside the cell, they are passed into the interstitial fluid by facilitated diffusion, where transport proteins assist their movement down their concentration gradient. Choices A and B are incorrect because they do not involve active transport, which is necessary to move molecules against their concentration gradient. Choice C is incorrect because active transport requires energy input, whereas facilitated diffusion does not.