Facilitated Diffusion Case Study

permitted through facilitated diffusion involving glucose transporters. Glucose transporters are specialised for different cell types, for muscle and fat cells, type 4 glucose transporters (GLUT4) are used, as muscle cells are vital to athlete performance in the rainbow rage, GLUT4 shall be examined in this example. Firstly, insulin binds to insulin receptors on the surface of the cell. This sends a signal to GLUT4 vesicles from inside the cell initiating their movement to the cell wall. GLUT4 vesicles fuse to the outer cell membrane, catalysing the movement of glucose into the cell, this is the major endocytic process within cells. Glucose is then permitted entry into the cell by the process of facilitated diffusion, and can be used to produce ATP. Insulin

Also during exercise the amount of glucose produced by cells increases due the requirement for more ATP from working muscles, than from those at rest.
The influx of glucose to the bloodstream after consuming a meal or snack shows how the components of the glucose homeostasis system work together to re-establish normal blood glucose concentration.

The rainbow rage is a long and tiresome race, therefore, blood glucose levels may run low due to their depletion. The supply of glucose to the brain and immune system is important as competitors constantly rely on instantaneous decision making to ensure they make effective strategic moves. Glucagon is the hormone which ultimately increases blood glucose concentration by breaking down stored glycogen in muscle and fat cells, increasing the breakdown of fats and increasing liver glucose production. Each of these effects lead to an increased amount of glucose present in the bloodstream, meaning more energy for body cells. When the level of glucose in the bloodstream drops, more glucose is required in order to provide ATP for energy. The secretion of insulin by beta cells is inhibited