During exercise, how do muscular contractions affect glucose transport in muscle cells?

Muscular contractions during exercise play a significant role in enhancing glucose transport into muscle cells. When muscles contract, they stimulate the translocation of glucose transporters, specifically GLUT4, to the cell membrane. This process allows glucose to enter the cells more easily, independent of insulin. As a result, the increased muscular activity leads to a higher demand for energy, which is met by the enhanced uptake of glucose from the bloodstream.

This mechanism is particularly important because it helps to regulate blood sugar levels during physical activity and provides a critical source of energy for the muscles. Enhanced glucose uptake during exercise is one reason why physical activity is recommended for managing and preventing conditions like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

The other choices do not accurately describe the effects of exercise on glucose transport. For instance, glucose absorption does not slow down, insulin production is not directly increased by muscular contractions, and while glucose can be stored as fat under certain conditions, this process is not directly linked to the immediate response of muscle cells during exercise. Thus, option B accurately captures the physiological response of muscle cells to exercise.