COTRANSPORT Meaning and
Definition
-
Cotransport refers to the simultaneous transport of two or more substances across a cell membrane or through a biological system. It involves the movement of molecules or ions across the membrane in a coordinated manner, utilizing the energy provided by another transporter or coupled transport mechanism. Cotransport can occur in both directions, either into or out of the cell, and is an essential process for various physiological functions.
In cotransport, the driving force for the movement of one substance is provided by the movement of another substance. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as symport and antiport. In symport, both substances move in the same direction, while in antiport, they move in opposite directions.
Cotransport plays a crucial role in the absorption and transport of nutrients across different epithelial cells, including the cells lining the intestinal tract and the renal tubules. For example, in the intestines, glucose is cotransported with sodium ions through symporters, allowing the efficient absorption of glucose. Similarly, in the kidneys, sodium ions are cotransported with various solutes, like glucose and amino acids, to facilitate their reabsorption from the filtrate.
Overall, cotransport is a fundamental process in cellular and physiological systems, enabling the selective transport of substances across membranes, maintaining homeostasis, and sustaining various metabolic functions. Its understanding and manipulation have important implications in fields such as pharmacology, physiology, and biochemistry.
Common Misspellings for COTRANSPORT
- xotransport
- votransport
- fotransport
- dotransport
- citransport
- cktransport
- cltransport
- cptransport
- c0transport
- c9transport
- corransport
- cofransport
- cogransport
- coyransport
- co6ransport
- co5ransport
- coteansport
- cotdansport
- cotfansport
- cottansport
Etymology of COTRANSPORT
The word "cotransport" is derived from combining the prefix "co-" (meaning "together" or "with") and the word "transport".
The term "transport" is derived from the Latin word "transportare", which means "to carry across". In English, "transport" refers to the act of moving or carrying something from one place to another.
When the prefix "co-" is added, it indicates that the action is happening together or in conjunction with something else. Therefore, "cotransport" refers to the process of transporting substances simultaneously or in coordination with each other, often across a biological membrane.
In the field of biology, "cotransport" specifically refers to the transport of two or more molecules or ions across a cell membrane through a coupled mechanism, involving the movement of one molecule or ion along with another.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
