AQA AS BIOLOGY - EPITHELIAL CELL

Explain how an intestinal epithelial cell is adapted to its function.

• Has microvilli which are finger like projections of the surface membrane and they increase the surface area for rapid absorption
• contain specific membrane transport proteins for uptake of products of digestion by facilitated diffusion and active transport
• contains large number of mitochondria to provide ATP
• ATP used for active transport and biosynthesis
• Has large and extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus
• For production of proteins (digestive enzymes)

RATE AND COMMENT!