Physiology Quiz -
Sodium/Glucose Cotransporter (SGLT) - Part 1

The Na⁺/glucose cotransporter (SGLT) uses the energy stored in the transmembrane electrochemical gradient of Na⁺ to drive the uphill transport of glucose into cells against a glucose concentration gradient. While SGLTs are found in many tissues, they are prominently present in the apical membrane (i.e., brush border membrane) of epithelial cells in the small intestine and kidney proximal tubules. In the small intestine, Na⁺/glucose cotransport is essential for the absorption of glucose contained in ingested food across the wall of the small intestine. In the kidney proximal tubules, Na⁺/glucose cotransport is essential for the reabsoroption of glucose from the urine ultrafiltrate. Test your basic knowledge of Na⁺/glucose cotransporters by taking this simple quiz.