COTRANSPORT ION Meaning and
Definition
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Cotransport ion, also known as solute carrier ion, is a specific transport process in which ions are simultaneously transported across the cell membrane or a biological membrane along with other substances such as molecules or ions. This process is facilitated by proteins known as cotransporters or transporters.
Cotransport ions play a crucial role in various physiological functions. They are fundamental to the absorption of nutrients, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, where ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride are transported along with glucose, amino acids, or other solutes across the intestinal epithelial cells. This process enables the efficient uptake of essential nutrients by cells.
These cotransporters function by utilizing the energy derived from the electrochemical potential gradient of one substance to drive the transportation of another substance against its concentration gradient. This mechanism often involves the movement of ions along with the coupled substance, which creates a mutual dependency between the two.
Cotransport ions are not limited to nutrient absorption. They are also involved in the reabsorption of water and ions in the kidneys, maintaining electrolyte balance in the body, and regulating neurotransmitter actions in the nervous system. Dysfunctions or mutations in cotransporters can lead to various diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Bartter syndrome, and congenital chloride diarrhea.
In summary, cotransport ion refers to the simultaneous transportation of ions and other solutes across cell membranes. It is a vital mechanism for nutrient absorption, electrolyte balance, and proper functioning of various bodily systems.
Common Misspellings for COTRANSPORT ION
- xotransport ion
- votransport ion
- fotransport ion
- dotransport ion
- citransport ion
- cktransport ion
- cltransport ion
- cptransport ion
- c0transport ion
- c9transport ion
- corransport ion
- cofransport ion
- cogransport ion
- coyransport ion
- co6ransport ion
- co5ransport ion
- coteansport ion
- cotdansport ion
- cotfansport ion
- cottansport ion
Etymology of COTRANSPORT ION
The word "cotransport" refers to the simultaneous transport of two or more substances across a biological membrane. The term is derived from the combination of the prefix "co-" meaning "together" or "with", and the word "transport" which refers to the movement of substances across a membrane.
The word "ion" refers to an electrically charged particle, either positively or negatively. The term comes from the Greek word "ion", meaning "going", which is a present participle of "iēnai", meaning "to go".
Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "cotransport ion" essentially combines the concepts of simultaneous transport and charged particles, indicating the collective movement of multiple ions across a membrane.
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