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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements regarding absorption of monosaccharides is true?
A
Glucose and galactose are absorbed in the small intestine via sodium-dependent active transport.
B
All monosaccharides are absorbed exclusively by facilitated diffusion.
C
Fructose is absorbed by simple diffusion across the intestinal epithelium.
D
Monosaccharide absorption occurs primarily in the large intestine.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of monosaccharide absorption in the human body. Monosaccharides such as glucose, galactose, and fructose are absorbed in the small intestine, not the large intestine. This eliminates the option stating absorption occurs primarily in the large intestine.
Step 2: Recall the mechanisms of transport across the intestinal epithelium. Glucose and galactose are absorbed via sodium-dependent active transport, specifically through the SGLT1 (sodium-glucose linked transporter 1). This process requires energy and involves coupling the transport of sodium ions with the monosaccharides.
Step 3: Fructose, on the other hand, is absorbed by facilitated diffusion through the GLUT5 transporter. Facilitated diffusion does not require energy but relies on a concentration gradient. This eliminates the option stating fructose is absorbed by simple diffusion.
Step 4: Evaluate the statement that all monosaccharides are absorbed exclusively by facilitated diffusion. This is incorrect because glucose and galactose use active transport, not facilitated diffusion. Fructose is the only monosaccharide absorbed by facilitated diffusion.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is: 'Glucose and galactose are absorbed in the small intestine via sodium-dependent active transport.' This aligns with the known mechanisms of monosaccharide absorption in the small intestine.