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

6655 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?


Why do the number of blood cells change in a person with an infection?


Describe the similarities and differences between animal and plant cells and the function of each component found in them.


What is an enzyme? Explain their importance?


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