Question

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the cells within the liver (hepatocytes) can either take up glucose from or release glucose into the blood. glucose is passively transported across the hepatocyte membrane through facilitated diffusion. the glucose carrier protein is induced to change its shape once glucose binds to it, which allows a single molecule of glucose to be carried across the plasma membrane from high to low concentration.
once glucose molecules enter the hepatocytes, excess glucose combines to form glycogen through the process of glycogenesis. glucose is stored in this form until it is needed by various tissues throughout the body. glycogen is broken down into glucose through the process of glycogenolysis. this process results in an increase in the concentration of glucose within the hepatocytes. glucose crosses the hepatocyte plasma membranes, once again by facilitated diffusion, and then enters into the blood to allow a steady supply of glucose to be delivered to cells in the body in between periods of eating.

1. the ____________ determines if glucose moves into or out of the hepatocyte.

glucose concentration between the intracellular and extracellular fluid
amount of intracellular atp available
amount of intracellular atp versus intracellular glucose
oxygen concentration between the intracellular and extracellular fluid

1. a reduction in the number of glucose carrier proteins within the plasma membrane ____________ the rate of glucose diffusion.

does not impact
increases
decreases

Explanation:

1. Glucose moves across the hepatocyte membrane by facilitated diffusion from high to low concentration. So, the glucose concentration between the intracellular and extracellular fluid determines if glucose moves in or out.
2. Glucose carrier proteins are involved in facilitated diffusion of glucose. A reduction in their number will decrease the rate of glucose diffusion as there are fewer transporters available.

Answer:

1. glucose concentration between the intracellular and extracellular fluid
2. decreases