# Explain how glucose molecules move from the small intestine into the blood, and why this movement can continue even when the concentration of glucose in the blood is higher than in the small intestine.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — 1.6 Membranes and transport · Explain · 5 marks

> After a meal, glucose is absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream. Initially, glucose moves by diffusion, but active transport is also involved in absorption.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Glucose initially moves by diffusion / down a concentration gradient from the small intestine into the blood
2. Diffusion occurs because the concentration of glucose in the small intestine is higher than in the blood (at first)
3. Active transport is used to move glucose from the small intestine into the blood against the concentration gradient
4. Active transport requires energy (from respiration / ATP)
5. Active transport uses carrier proteins / protein molecules in the cell membrane to move glucose

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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