Describe how the body responds when blood glucose concentration rises above the normal level.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 4.3 Homeostasis in humans · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

After eating a large meal, the blood glucose concentration in a person's blood increases above the normal level. The body must respond to return it to the normal level.

Model answer (4 marks)

The pancreas senses the increased blood glucose level.
The pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream.
Insulin stimulates the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen.
Glucose concentration in the blood falls back to the normal level.

Examiner tips

Use the exact sequence of events; each step counts as a mark.
Include the pancreas, insulin, liver and glycogen conversion.
Show the final outcome – glucose returns to normal.
Avoid extra details that do not add marks.

Common mistakes

Confusing insulin with glucagon.
Omitting the liver or glycogen step.
Using vague terms like 'body reacts' instead of specific organs and hormones.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

The pancreas detects the rise in blood glucose concentration
The pancreas releases / secretes insulin
Insulin causes the liver to convert glucose into glycogen
Blood glucose concentration returns to / is restored to the normal level

Key terms in this question

blood glucose concentration