Glucose is the major energy source for mature erythrocytes in most species. Pig erythrocytes lack a functional glucose transporter and use inosine instead of glucose.
Understand the Problem
The question discusses the reliance of pig erythrocytes on inosine as an energy source instead of glucose due to the absence of a functional glucose transporter. It aims to highlight a unique metabolic adaptation in pig erythrocytes compared to other species.
Answer
Pig erythrocytes use inosine instead of glucose.
The final answer is that pig erythrocytes lack a functional glucose transporter and use inosine instead of glucose as a major energy source.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that pig erythrocytes lack a functional glucose transporter and use inosine instead of glucose as a major energy source.
More Information
Inosine serves as an alternative energy source due to the lack of a functional glucose transporter.
Tips
Be aware that not all species utilize glucose in the same way; some, like pigs, have alternative metabolic pathways.
Sources
- Erythrocyte Metabolism - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- Nucleoside transport and metabolism in erythrocytes from ... - PubMed - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Erythrocyte Membrane - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
