Describe the role of glucagon in regulating blood glucose concentration.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Blood glucose concentration must be kept within a narrow range to ensure body cells function correctly. The hormone glucagon is released when blood glucose concentration falls too low.
Model answer (4 marks)
Glucagon is released from the pancreas.
Glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen into glucose.
The glucose is released into the bloodstream.
Blood glucose concentration is restored to the normal level.
Glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen into glucose.
The glucose is released into the bloodstream.
Blood glucose concentration is restored to the normal level.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact wording from the mark scheme – e.g. "released from the pancreas". Show the sequence: pancreas → liver → blood. Keep each point brief – one sentence per mark. Include the final outcome: normal blood glucose level.
- common_mistakes
- :
- Writing "insulin" instead of glucagon. Omitting the liver as the target organ. Failing to mention the restoration of normal glucose levels.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Glucagon is released from the pancreas
- Glucagon causes the liver to convert glycogen into glucose
- Glucose is released into the blood
- Blood glucose concentration returns to / is restored to the normal level
Key terms in this question
glucagon · blood glucose concentration
Related
- All WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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