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The Na^+-glucose symport system of intestinal epithelial cells couples the \"dow

ID: 221424 • Letter: T

Question

The Na^+-glucose symport system of intestinal epithelial cells couples the "downhill" transport of two Na^+ ions into the cell to the "uphill" transport of glucose, pumping glucose into the cell against its concentration gradient. If the Na* concentration outside the cell ([Na^+]_out) is 161 mM and that inside the cell ([Na^+]_in) is 23.0 mM, and the cell potential is -49.0 mV (inside negative), calculate the maximum ratio of [glucose]_in to [glucose]_out that could theoretically be produced if the energy coupling were 100% efficient. Assume the temperature is 37 degree C.

Explanation / Answer

First,calculate the free energy.

Delta G=RTln(C in/C out)+ZF Delta V

Delta G=(8.31J/K-mol)(310K)ln(23.0/161 mM)+(+1)96500 J/V mol[-0.049.0V-0V] = -5012 J-4728 J =-9740 J

For 2 moles of Na, this will be =19480 J

Then calclate the ratio of glucose concentrations this free energy can yield

Delta G =(8.31) (310) ln (Glu in/Glu out)

19480=2576.1 ln(Glu in/Glu out)

ln(Ratio of concentrations)=7.561

Ratio=exp(7.561)