Describe how the body returns blood glucose concentration to normal when it rises above the set point.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 14.4 Homeostasis · 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, blood glucose concentration rises above the normal level.

Model answer (4 marks)

The pancreas senses the high glucose level and releases insulin.
Insulin stimulates liver and muscle cells to take up glucose and store it as glycogen.
Glucose is removed from the blood, so the concentration falls back to the normal set point.
This is a negative‑feedback control of blood glucose.

Examiner tips

Use the word ‘insulin’ and ‘pancreas’ – the scheme marks for these terms.
Show the sequence: detection → insulin → uptake/storage → fall in glucose.
Mention ‘negative feedback’ to demonstrate understanding of the control loop.

Common mistakes

Confusing insulin with glucagon or omitting the pancreas.
Failing to state that glucose is taken up by liver/muscle cells.
Not identifying the process as negative feedback.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

The pancreas detects the rise in blood glucose concentration and secretes insulin
Insulin causes liver (and muscle) cells to increase uptake of glucose / convert glucose to glycogen
Blood glucose concentration falls back to the normal / set level
This is an example of negative feedback

Key terms in this question

blood glucose concentration