Why does glucose pass into the kidney but red blood cells and protein do not?

Each kidney contains 1000s of nephrons and this is where a process called ultrafiltration occurs. Blood from the renal artery flows through the glomerulus at high pressure. The glomerulus is a bundle of capillaries at the start of the nephron surrounded by a double membrane called the Bowman's capsule. Small molecules such as glucose, urea, water and ions are able to pass through the capsule membrane and are squeezed out of the blood into the Bowman's capsule space. However, big molecules such as red blood cells and protein are not able to pass through the capsule membrane and so stay in the blood and do not enter the capsule space.

LT
Answered by Lottie T. Biology tutor

6651 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are indicator species and what are they used for?


What is meant by the term genotype and how does this differ from the phenotype?


explain the circulation of blood pumped by the heart


Describe the course of blood through the heart and lungs, explaining how it becomes oxygenated.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning