Glucose can be transported into cells with a glucose/sodium symporter. If the extracellular concentration of sodium is always in excess to that of glucose, which of these manipulations would MOST increase the rate of glucose transport into a cell?
To increase the rate of glucose transport into a cell using a glucose/sodium symporter, the manipulation that would be most effective is to increase the extracellular concentration of sodium.
By increasing the extracellular concentration of sodium, it creates a steeper concentration gradient for sodium across the cell membrane. This increased gradient can facilitate a higher rate of sodium entry into the cell through the symporter, and in turn, increase the transport of glucose into the cell.
Higher amounts of extracellular sodium will result in a greater driving force for sodium to enter the cell, which will enhance the transport of glucose alongside it.