Describe how the body responds when blood glucose concentration rises above the normal level.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
The pancreas senses the increased glucose level in the blood.
The pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream.
Insulin signals the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage.
The glucose concentration in the blood falls back to the normal range.
The pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream.
Insulin signals the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage.
The glucose concentration in the blood falls back to the normal range.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms: pancreas, insulin, glycogen, liver. Show the sequence: detection → secretion → action → result. Keep each point short and to the point.
Common mistakes
- Confusing glucagon with insulin; writing glucagon instead of insulin. Omitting the liver or glycogen step. Using vague phrases like 'the body lowers glucose' without specifying insulin action.
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 (for storage)
- Blood glucose concentration returns to / is restored to the normal level
Key terms in this question
Related
- All WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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