Question

Which of the following glucose transporters is insulin-dependent?

• A. GLUTI
• B. GLUT II
• C. GLUT III
• D. GLUT IV

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine which of the glucose transporters is insulin-dependent, let's explore the characteristics of each option:

• GLUT I: This transporter is not insulin-dependent. It is responsible for the basal uptake of glucose in most body cells and is ubiquitous in tissues.
• GLUT II: This transporter has a high capacity and low affinity for glucose, and it is primarily found in the liver, pancreas, kidney, and intestine. It is not insulin-dependent.
• GLUT III: This transporter is primarily found in neurons and has a high affinity for glucose, allowing it to efficiently transport glucose even at low concentrations. It is not insulin-dependent.
• GLUT IV: This transporter is the only insulin-dependent glucose transporter. It is primarily found in adipose tissues and skeletal muscles. In the presence of insulin, GLUT IV is translocated from intracellular vesicles to the cell surface, increasing glucose uptake into the cell.

Based on these explanations, the correct answer is GLUT IV, as it is the only glucose transporter that requires insulin for activation and translocation to the cell membrane.

Insulin promotes the cellular uptake of glucose by facilitating the translocation of GLUT IV to the plasma membrane, especially in muscle and fat tissues. This mechanism is a crucial component of maintaining blood sugar levels within a normal range, particularly after a meal when insulin levels rise.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is GLUT IV.