Mechanism of Glucose Absorption in Non-Ruminants

Absorption of glucose in non-ruminants occurs by-

Correct Answer: Active transport

In non-ruminants, glucose is absorbed from the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum) by active transport — specifically via Na⁺-dependent glucose cotransporters (SGLT1), requiring energy.

Mechanism of Active Glucose Absorption

• Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase on basolateral membrane pumps Na⁺ out → creates Na⁺ gradient
• SGLT1 (sodium-glucose linked transporter 1) on apical membrane uses this gradient to cotransport Na⁺ and glucose into the enterocyte
• Glucose exits the enterocyte into blood via GLUT2 (facilitated diffusion) on basolateral membrane

Nutrient Absorption Mechanisms Summary

• Glucose (non-ruminants): Active transport (SGLT1) in small intestine
• VFAs (ruminants): Passive diffusion through ruminal wall
• Amino acids: Active transport (cotransport with Na⁺) in small intestine
• Fatty acids: Both ruminants and non-ruminants → absorbed from proximal jejunum