fructose transmembrane transport

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of fructose into, out of or within a cell, or between cells, by means of some agent such as a transporter or pore. Fructose exists in a open chain form or as a ring compound. D-fructose is the sweetest of the sugars and is found free in a large number of fruits and honey. [GOC:ai]

Fructose transmembrane transport is the process by which fructose molecules move across the cell membrane. This process is crucial for the utilization of fructose as an energy source by cells. Fructose transport occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including facilitated diffusion, active transport, and passive diffusion.

Facilitated diffusion is the most common mechanism for fructose transport. In this process, fructose binds to a specific protein transporter located in the cell membrane. This transporter, known as the GLUT5 transporter, facilitates the movement of fructose across the membrane down its concentration gradient, meaning it moves from an area of high fructose concentration to an area of low fructose concentration. This process does not require energy expenditure by the cell.

Active transport, on the other hand, requires energy expenditure by the cell to move fructose across the membrane against its concentration gradient. This mechanism is less common than facilitated diffusion and primarily occurs in specialized cells such as intestinal epithelial cells.

Passive diffusion, also known as simple diffusion, is a less significant mechanism for fructose transport. This process involves the movement of fructose across the membrane based on its concentration gradient without the assistance of any transporter proteins. It plays a minimal role in fructose transport due to the low permeability of the cell membrane to fructose.

The efficiency of fructose transport can be influenced by various factors, including the concentration of fructose, the presence of other sugars, and the activity of transporter proteins. For instance, high fructose concentrations can lead to saturation of the transporter proteins, reducing the rate of fructose transport.

In conclusion, fructose transmembrane transport is a complex process involving multiple mechanisms, including facilitated diffusion, active transport, and passive diffusion. The primary mechanism is facilitated diffusion, which relies on the GLUT5 transporter to move fructose across the cell membrane down its concentration gradient. This process is essential for the utilization of fructose as an energy source by cells.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (5)