Describe how the body responds when blood glucose levels fall below the normal level.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 4.2 Hormonal coordination and control in humans · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Model answer (4 marks)

The pancreas senses a drop in blood glucose.
The pancreas releases glucagon.
Glucagon signals the liver.
The liver breaks down glycogen to glucose, raising blood glucose to normal.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact sequence of events; mention pancreas, glucagon, liver, glycogen breakdown.
  • Show the cause–effect chain clearly; each step counts as a mark.
  • Use correct terminology: ‘secretes’, ‘acts on’, ‘glycogen breakdown’.
  • Keep answer brief – 4 points, no extra words.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up insulin with glucagon; writing insulin instead of glucagon.
  • Omitting the liver as the organ that acts on glucagon.
  • Using vague terms like ‘body’ instead of specifying pancreas and liver.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. The pancreas detects low blood glucose levels
  2. The pancreas releases / secretes glucagon
  3. Glucagon acts on the liver
  4. Glycogen is converted to glucose (glycogen breakdown) so blood glucose levels return to normal

Key terms in this question

blood glucose

Related

More Hormonal coordination and control in humans questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →