A person has just eaten a large meal containing a high amount of carbohydrates. Describe how the body detects the change in blood glucose concentration and the hormonal response that returns blood glucose to its normal level.

WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 4.5 Homeostasis and the kidney · Describe · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (5 marks)

Blood glucose concentration rises after the meal.
The pancreas detects the rise in glucose.
The pancreas releases insulin into the blood.
Insulin causes glucose to be taken up into cells and the liver to convert glucose into glycogen for storage.
Blood glucose concentration returns to its normal level – a negative feedback loop.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact sequence of events: rise, detection, insulin release, action, return to normal.
  • Show the negative feedback phrase – examiners look for this.
  • Keep the answer concise – 5 points only.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. Blood glucose concentration rises / increases after the meal
  2. The pancreas detects the rise in blood glucose concentration
  3. The pancreas releases / secretes insulin (into the blood)
  4. Insulin causes glucose to be taken up into cells / causes the liver to convert glucose into glycogen for storage
  5. Blood glucose concentration returns to its normal / optimum level — this is an example of negative feedback

Key terms in this question

blood glucose concentration

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