Question

Fructose is absorbed into the blood through mucosa cells of intestine by the process called:

• A. Facilitated transport
• B. Simple diffusion
• C. Co-transport mechanism
• D. Active transport

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Fructose is absorbed into the blood through the mucosa cells of the intestine by a process known as facilitated transport. This process involves the following steps and reasoning:

1. Understanding Facilitated Transport:
   • Facilitated transport (also known as facilitated diffusion) is a type of passive transport, meaning it does not require energy.
   • It involves the movement of molecules across a cell membrane via special transport proteins located within the cellular membrane.
2. Mechanism of Fructose Absorption:
   • Fructose is a monosaccharide, similar to glucose, but it is absorbed differently.
   • The absorption of fructose primarily occurs in the small intestine.
   • During absorption, fructose passes through the mucosa cells of the intestine via specific carrier proteins. These proteins, such as GLUT5, facilitate the entry of fructose into the cells without utilizing energy.
3. Ruling Out Other Options:
   • Simple Diffusion: This process allows molecules to move from a high concentration area to a low concentration area directly through the membrane. However, fructose requires proteins for its transport.
   • Co-transport Mechanism: Involves the simultaneous transport of two substances across a membrane, one providing the driving force for the other, like sodium-glucose co-transport. This is not how fructose is absorbed.
   • Active Transport: This process requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, but fructose absorption does not require energy.
4. Conclusion: Since fructose is absorbed using specific transport proteins without the expenditure of cellular energy, the correct answer is Facilitated transport.