First aid says Glut 1 is insulin independent which i can understand but that Glut 2 is bidirectional. What do they mean bidirectional and how is it different from Glut 1?
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Step I Difference between Glut-1 and Glut-2?
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GLUT-1 is present in most tissues and mediates basal glucose uptake. This is achieved by its very high affinity to glucose (low Km). That way, even in fasted state, it can facilitate uptake of glucose into cells.
In contrast, GLUT-2 has a high Km, meaning its main function is during fed state. It is found in (1) pancreatic beta-cells, (2) hepatocytes, and (3) kidney and small intestine epithelial cells (on basolateral side). In hepatocytes and pancreatic beta-cells, it serves as a glucose sensor for secretion of insulin. In kidney and small intestine epithelial cells, it allows transport of absorbed glucose into the blood. Its ability to both import (like in pancreas) and export (like in small intestine) glucose underlines its bidirectionality.
In contrast, GLUT-2 has a high Km, meaning its main function is during fed state. It is found in (1) pancreatic beta-cells, (2) hepatocytes, and (3) kidney and small intestine epithelial cells (on basolateral side). In hepatocytes and pancreatic beta-cells, it serves as a glucose sensor for secretion of insulin. In kidney and small intestine epithelial cells, it allows transport of absorbed glucose into the blood. Its ability to both import (like in pancreas) and export (like in small intestine) glucose underlines its bidirectionality.
Thank you that was perfectly explained.
