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Proximal Convoluted Tubule

Selective reabsorption takes place in the proximal convoluted tubule. 85% of the filtrate is reabsorbed.Sodium-potassium pumps actively transport Na+ ions out of the epithelial cells on the capillary side. This creates a low Na+ concentration inside the cell.The cell surface membrane in contact with the filtrate has many microvilli and co-transporter proteins that transport Na+ associated with glucose or amino-acids from the lumen into the epithelial cells by facilitated diffusion.Once in the cell the glucose/amino-acids diffuse into the blood down their concentration gradient and are also actively transported. Water follows by osmosis.

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Specification: AQA Biology (7402), A-level, 3.6.4.3 Control of blood water potential. Topic: Homeostasis.

Key terms in this lesson

allele
One of two or more alternative versions of a gene, occupying the same locus on homologous chromosomes.
genotype
The genetic constitution of an organism, i.e. the particular combination of alleles it possesses.

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