Biology/digestive system
Advertisement
Question
Does the digestive system help glucose enter all body cells.
Thanks for using AllExperts.
In the broadest sense the answer to your question is yes, because the digestive system breaks down the complex carbohydrates that are made from glucose. To take an example, sucrose (table sugar) is made from glucose and fructose, both of which are simple sugars that can be used by the body; the digestive system is responsible for breaking down sucrose into fructose and glucose.
More specifically, however, the uptake of glucose into body cells is controlled by the cells themselves and by the endocrine system. Cells contain proteins called glucose transport proteins that are primarily responsible for the importation of glucose into cells from the blood; this process can be enhanced by the hormone insulin and reversed by the hormone glucagon. Thus the digestive system is partly responsible for helping glucose enter the body cells. Please let me know if you have other questions related to this subject.
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
John Locke
Expertise
I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
Experience
I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
Education/Credentials
BS Bioengineering, Penn State University
MCAT/DAT/OAT Instructor
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.