• Question: how does the cells take in oxygen and glucose?

    Asked by hanzala to Craig, Marta, Natalie, Nicholas on 15 Mar 2017.
    • Photo: Marta Varela

      Marta Varela answered on 15 Mar 2017:


      Hi Hanzala.

      Oxygen goes through the cell membrane to where it is less concentrated (the inside of the cells). Glucose is taken by a special protein through the membrane into the cell.

      What made you wonder about this?

    • Photo: Craig O'Hare

      Craig O'Hare answered on 15 Mar 2017:


      Oxygen enters the body through the lungs and it is carried about the body by red blood cells. The oxygen transfers across the walls of the lung easily as the lining of the lungs is very thin. Red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin which can bind and carry oxygen.

      Glucose is absorbed from the digestive system into the blood. Blood carries glucose around the body and it utilises a protein called GLUT to get inside our hungry cells as it’s not able to pass through the cell by itself.

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