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GLUT4 is primarily recognized as an insulin-regulated glucose transporter that plays a vital role in the uptake of glucose into adipose (fat) tissues and striated muscles, which include both skeletal and cardiac muscles. This transporter is transported to the cell membrane in response to insulin, a hormone released when blood glucose levels rise, thus facilitating the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into these cells.
The significance of GLUT4 lies in its contribution to glucose homeostasis; when insulin binds to its receptor on these cells, GLUT4 is translocated to the cell membrane, enhancing glucose uptake. This mechanism is crucial for energy regulation and storage, especially in tissues that are prone to utilizing glucose for immediate energy needs or storing it as glycogen.
In contrast to the other options, GLUT4 is not involved in transporting glucose into brain cells or facilitating glucose absorption in the intestines, as those processes are managed by different transporters. Similarly, while the liver has its own distinct mechanisms for glucose transport and storage, such as GLUT2, it does not predominantly utilize GLUT4 for these functions. Thus, option B accurately captures the specific role of GLUT4 in the body’s glucose regulation system.