Describe the absorption of glucose and galactose. How does glucose absorption influence the absorption of water?
Glucose is absorbed in the small intestine only by co-transport with sodium. Glucose > SGUT-1 > Intestinal Lumen > Epithelium > Blood The glucose/galactose transporter is initially facing the lumen. It binds sodium only and not glucose. When sodium binds, it induces a conformational change that opens the glucose binding pocket. Then, the transporter binds glucose and the pockets holding sodium and glucose are moved inside. When glucose is absorbed, salt is also absorbed. When salt is retained, water is also retained.
