Which of the following is NOT one of the primary monosaccharides absorbed by the small intestine?

Prepare for the Leaving Certificate Digestion Test with engaging questions and explanations. Ready yourself with multiple choice quizzes, hints, and deep insights. Be exam-ready now!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT one of the primary monosaccharides absorbed by the small intestine?

Explanation:
The small intestine absorbs the three basic monosaccharides: glucose, galactose, and fructose. Glucose and galactose are taken up by the SGLT1 transporter, while fructose is taken up by GLUT5, and all three exit into the bloodstream via basolateral transporters like GLUT2. Lactose, however, is not a monosaccharide—it’s a disaccharide made of glucose and galactose. It must be split by the enzyme lactase into those monosaccharides before absorption. Because lactose itself isn’t absorbed as a monosaccharide, it doesn’t count among the primary monosaccharides absorbed.

The small intestine absorbs the three basic monosaccharides: glucose, galactose, and fructose. Glucose and galactose are taken up by the SGLT1 transporter, while fructose is taken up by GLUT5, and all three exit into the bloodstream via basolateral transporters like GLUT2. Lactose, however, is not a monosaccharide—it’s a disaccharide made of glucose and galactose. It must be split by the enzyme lactase into those monosaccharides before absorption. Because lactose itself isn’t absorbed as a monosaccharide, it doesn’t count among the primary monosaccharides absorbed.

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