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Another hormone involved in the control of plasma glucose concentration is glucagon. Explain how glucagon increases blood glucose concentration.

Question

Another hormone involved in the control of plasma glucose concentration is glucagon. Explain how glucagon increases blood glucose concentration.

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Solution

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that works to raise the concentration of glucose and fatty acids in the bloodstream. It is part of a group of hormones that maintain glucose homeostasis, the others being insulin and somatostatin.

Here's how glucagon increases blood glucose concentration:

  1. When blood glucose levels are low, the alpha cells in the pancreas release glucagon.

  2. Glucagon travels to the liver, its primary target.

  3. In the liver, glucagon promotes the conversion of stored glycogen into glucose. This process is known as glycogenolysis.

  4. Glucagon also promotes the creation of new glucose molecules through a process called gluconeogenesis.

  5. The newly formed glucose is released into the bloodstream, increasing blood glucose levels.

  6. As blood glucose levels rise, the release of glucagon is inhibited, preventing blood glucose levels from becoming too high.

This process ensures that the body always has a steady supply of glucose for energy, even when you haven't eaten for a while.

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Similar Questions

What is glucagon? The hormone that stimulates the conversion of glucose to glycogenThe sugar used in respirationThe hormone that stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to glucoseThe storage carbohydrate found in liver and muscles

How does glucagon increase blood glucose levels?Group of answer choicesBy activating glycogen synthaseBy activating glycogen phosphorylaseBy activating pyruvate kinaseBy activating PFK-1

Glucagon causesGroup of answer choicesAn increase in glucose utilisation and storagean increase in fatty acid synthesis and lipid storageAn increase in glycogen synthesisAn increase in blood glucose concentration

The secretion of glucagon is regulated by: A) The hypothalamus B) Blood glucose levels C) The thyroid D) Variations in blood pH E) Adrenaline levels

Insulin and glucagon are examples of hormones that work together to

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